SABBATH S BOOL E
WViRi
AID TO MORE EFFICIENT SABBATH SCHOOLS
JUNIOR GUIDE
This paper, slanted for junior-age folks, makes the Sabbath school lessons
attractive for the adolescent.
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the word have a transforming influence on mind
and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study
of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give
vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's
word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a
nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."—
Steps to Christ,
page go.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sab-
bath school lesson each day of the week.
Name
LESSON TITLES FOR THE QUARTER
1.
The Mighty Conqueror
2.
How Jesus Gained the Victory
3.
The Armor of God—I
4.
The Armor of God—II
5.
Meeting Temptations and Trials
Triumphantly
6.
Prayer—What Is It?
7.
Effectual Prayer
8.
Conditions to Answered Prayer—I
9.
Conditions to Answered Prayer—II
io. Meeting Life's Disappointments
II. Notable Pi-ayers of the Bible
12.
The Divine Exemplar in Prayer
13.
Complete Victory in Christ
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 270, October-December, 1962. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents
a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the
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Copyright, 1962, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
PRAYER AND VICTORIOUS LIVING
Lesson 1, for October 6, 1962
The Mighty Conqueror
MEMORY VERSE:
"He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from
the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might
destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapter 48; "The Great Controversy," chapter
29; "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter
1;
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
from Study Helps.
❑
Sunday:
Questions 1-5.
❑
Wednesday:
Questions 12-14.
❑
Monday: Questions 6, 7; read from
Thursday:
Read from Study Helps.
❑
Study Helps.
❑
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-1 1
;
read
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Enemy
1.
His character. John 8:44.
2.
His fall. Isa. 14:12-14.
3.
His expulsion from heaven. Rev.
12:7-9; Luke 10:18; John 12:31.
4.
His chief activity. Rev. 12:9, 10.
II. Christ the Victor
5.
Gains victory in the wilderness.
Mark 1:12, 13; Heb. 4:15.
6.
Triumphs on the cross. John 19:30.
7.
Conquers death. Matt. 28:5-7.
8. Destroys the works of Satan and
establishes His kingdom. 1 John
3:8; 2 Peter 3:11-13.
III. The Wiles of the Devil
9. Armor of God needed to withstand.
Eph. 6:12, 13.
10. Saints not ignorant of. 2 Cor. 2:11.
11. Purpose of. 1 Peter 5:8.
12. Special object of. Rev. 12:17.
IV. Satan's Destruction
13. Predicted. Gen 3:15.
14. Accomplished. Rev. 20:9, 10; Matt.
25:41.
THE LESSON
Introduction
questions is, Why was sin permitted? That
we individually may be triumphant has
In the controversy in which each one been made possible by the wonderful plan
must play a part, it is well to know as much of redemption, of which the key part was
as possible concerning the enemy we face- Christ's death on Calvary. He has won the
his character, methods, and objectives. One
victory, and His victory may be ours. How
of the most frequently asked theological
to lay hold of it is to be our study.
[3
]
The Enemy
1.
How did Jesus characterize the
great enemy of the human race? John
8:44.
NOTE.—"Satan was 'a murderer from the
beginning' (John 8:44) ; and as soon as he
had obtained power over the human race,
he not only prompted them to hate and
slay one another, but, the more boldly to
defy the authority of God, he made the
violation of the sixth commandment a part
of their
religion."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 337.
2.
How did the prophet Isaiah de-
scribe Lucifer's fall? Isa. 14:12-14.
NOTE.—"Little by little Lucifer came to
indulge the desire for self-exaltation. The
Scripture says, 'Thine heart was lifted up
because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted
thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.'
Ezekiel 28:17. 'Thou has said in thine heart,
. I will exalt my throne above the stars of
God: . . . I will be like the Most High.'
Isaiah 14:13,
14."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 35.
"Lucifer had said, will be like the Most
High' (Isa. 14:12, 14) ; and the desire for
self-exaltation had brought strife into the
heavenly courts, and had banished a multi-
tude of the hosts of God. Had Lucifer
really desired to be like the Most High, he
would never have deserted his appointed
place in heaven; for the spirit of the Most
High is manifested in unselfish ministry.
Lucifer desired God's power, but not His
character. He sought for himself the high-
est place, and every being who is actuated
by his spirit will do the same. Thus aliena-
tion, discord, and strife will be inevitable.
. . . Every individual regards every other
as an obstacle in the way of his own ad-
vancement, or a steppingstone on which he
himself may climb to a higher place."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 435, 436.
3.
How is Satan's expulsion from
heaven described? Rev. 12:7-9; Luke
10:18; John 12:31.
4.
What is one of the chief char-
acteristics of Satan's work? Rev. 12:9,
10. Compare Zech. 3:1; Rev. 20:10.
NOTE.—"There is a grand rebellion in the
earthly universe. Is there not a great leader
of that rebellion? Is not Satan the life and
soul of every species of rebellion which he
himself has instigated? Is he not the first
great apostate from God? A rebellion exists.
Lucifer revolted from his allegiance and
makes war on the divine government. . . .
"The principles of Satan's working in
heaven are the same principles by which
he works through human agents in this
world. It is through these corrupting prin-
ciples that every earthly empire and the
churches have been increasingly corrupted.
It is by the working out of these principles
that Satan deceives and corrupts the whole
world from the beginning to the ending.
He is continuing this same policy-working,
originally begun in the heavenly universe.
He is energizing the whole world with his
violence with which he corrupted the world
in the days of Noah."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol.
4, pp. 1163, 1164.
Christ the Victor
5.
When Jesus came in human flesh
what did Satan attempt to do and
with what result? Mark 1:12, 13;
Heb. 4:15.
NOTE.—"All the energies of apostasy were
rallied against the Son of God. Christ was
made the mark of every weapon of hell.
. . . The enticements which Christ resisted
were those that we find it so difficult to
withstand. They were urged upon Him in
as much greater degree as His character is
superior to ours. With the terrible weight
of the sins of the world upon Him, Christ
withstood the test upon appetite, upon the
love of the world, and upon that love of
display which leads to presumption. These
were the temptations that overcame Adam
and Eve, and that so readily overcome us."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 116, 117.
[ 4 ]
6.
As Jesus gave up His life on the
cross, what significant statement did
He make? John 19:30.
NoTE.—"Christ did not yield up His life
till He had accomplished the work which
He came to do, and with His parting
breath He exclaimed, 'It is finished.' John
19:30. The battle had been won. His right
hand and His holy arm had gotten Him the
victory. As a Conqueror He planted His
banner on the eternal heights. Was there
not joy among the angels? All heaven
triumphed in the Saviour's victory. Satan
was defeated, and knew that his kingdom
was lost.
"To the angels and the unfallen worlds
the cry, 'It is finished,' had a deep signifi-
cance. It was for them as well as for us
that the great work of redemption had been
accomplished. They with us share the
fruits of Christ's victory."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 758.
7.
When Jesus' disciples went to
the sepulcher to embalm His body,
what glorious fact did they learn?
Matt. 28:5-7. Compare Heb. 2:14.
NoTE.—"He is risen, He is risen ! The
women repeat the words again and again.
No need now for the anointing spices. The
Saviour is living, and not dead. They re-
member now that when speaking of His
death He said that He would rise again.
What a day is this to the world! Quickly
the women depart from the sepulcher 'with
fear and great joy; and did run to bring
His disciples word.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 789.
"The voice that cried from the cross, 'It
is finished,' was heard among the dead. It
pierced the walls of sepulchers, and sum-
moned the sleepers to arise. Thus will it be
when the voice of Christ shall be heard
from heaven. That voice will penetrate the
graves, and unbar the tombs, and the dead
in Christ shall arise. At the Saviour's resur-
rection a few graves were opened, but at
His second coming all the precious dead
shall hear His voice, and shall come forth
to glorious, immortal life. The same power
that raised Christ from the dead will raise
His church, and glorify it with Him, above
all principalities, above all powers, above
every name that is named, not only in this
world, but also in the world to come."—
p. 787.
8.
For what purpose did Jesus come
to this world, and how will His pur-
pose finally be accomplished? 1 John
3:8; 2 Peter 3:11-13.
NoTE.—"In the wilderness of temptation,
in the Garden of Gethsemane, and on the
cross, our Saviour measured weapons with
the prince of darkness. His wounds became
the trophies of His victory in behalf of the
race. When Christ hung in agony upon the
cross, while evil spirits rejoiced and evil
men reviled, then indeed His heel was
bruised by Satan. But that very act was
crushing the serpent's head. Through death
He destroyed 'him that had the power of
death, that is, the devil.' Hebrews 2:14.
This act decided the destiny of the rebel
chief, and made forever sure the plan of
salvation. In death He gained the victory
over its power; in rising again, He opened
the gates of the grave to all His followers.
In that last great contest, we see fulfilled
the prophecy, 'It shall bruise thy head,
and thou shalt bruise his heel.' Genesis
3
:15."—Prophets and Kings,
pages 701, 702.
The Wiles of the Devil
9.
What do we need in order to
contend successfully with the wiles of
Satan? Eph. 6:12, 13.
10.
Of what did Paul declare the
Corinthian believers were not igno-
rant? 2 Cor. 2:11.
11.
What does Satan hope to ac-
complish with his wiles? 1 Peter 5:8.
12.
Who are the special objects of
his hatred? Rev. 12:17.
[ 5 ]
NOTE.—"Those who love and keep the
commandments of God are most obnoxious
to the synagogue. of Satan, and the powers
of evil will: manifest-their hatred toward
them to the fullest extent possible:- John
foresaw the conflict between the remnant
church and the power of evil, and said,
`The dragon was wroth with the woman,
and went to make war with the remnant
of her seed, which keep the commandments
of God, and have the testimony of Jesus
Christ.' "—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7,
p. 974.
"In order to do the will of
God, we must search His
word, that we may know His
doctrine, and put to the task
all our entrusted ability."—
Counsels on Sabbath School
Work,
page 73.
Satan's Destruction
13. When and under what circum-
stances was Satan's destruction
first
predicted? Gen. 3:15.
NOTE.—" `Bruise,'
shuph.
This word
means 'to crush' or `to lie in wait for.' It
is evident that crushing the head is far
more serious than crushing the heel. It is
important to notice that although the en-
mity foretold is to be between the seed of
the woman and that of the serpent, it is the
head of the serpent and not its seed that
is to be crushed. In retaliation, the serpent
will have been able to do no more than to
bruise the heel of the woman's seed."
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Gen.
3:15.
14. When and under what circum-
stances will his destruction take place?
Rev. 20:9, 10. Compare Matt. 25:41.
NOTE.—"Even when it was decided that
he could no longer remain in heaven, Infi-
nite Wisdom did not destroy Satan. Since
the service of love can alone be acceptable
to God, the allegience of His creatures must
rest upon a conviction of His justice and
benevolence. The inhabitants of heaven
and of other worlds, being unprepared to
comprehend the nature or consequences of
sin, could not then have seen the justice
and mercy of God in the destruction of
Satan. Had he been immediately blotted
from existence, they would have served God
from fear rather than from love. The in-
fluence of the deceiver would not have been
fully destroyed, nor would the spirit of
rebellion have been utterly eradicated. Evil
must be permitted to come to maturity.
For the good of the entire universe through
ceaseless ages Satan must more fully de-
velop his principles, that his charges against
the divine government might be seen in
their true light by all created beings, that
the, justice and mercy of God and im-
mutability of His law might forever be
placed beyond all question."—The
Great
Controversy,
pages 498, 499.
"It is interesting to note that in the book
of Genesis Satan's end is predicted; and in
the last book of the Bible, Revelation, we
read of its accomplishment in the lake of
fire. (Revelation 20:10)."—H. M. S. Rich-
ards,
What Jesus Said,
pages 121, 122.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Do I show by a life of calm, serene
trust that I know Satan is a defeated foe?
2.
Have I completely severed all con-
nections with him, and given complete
allegiance to Christ?
Free taped senior Sabbath school lessons are now available for the
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,••••••••••••••••••11..IVI.....1....M.N
[
6]
Lesson 2, for October 13, 1962
How Jesus Gained the Victory
MEMORY VERSE:
"For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able
to succor them that are tempted." Heb. 2:18.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 12, 13; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
from Study Helps.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
0
Monday: Questions 5, 6; begin read-
Thursday: Finish reading Study
ing from Study Helps.
❑
Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9; read further
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Christ's Incarnation
1.
Accomplished. Gal. 4:4; John 1:14.
2.
Christ's nature and work preceding.
John 1:1-3.
3.
A great condescension. Phil. 2:6-8;
2 Cor. 8:9.
4.
Purpose. Heb. 2:17.
II. Christ and Temptation
5. Tempted in all points. Heb. 4:15.
6.
Complete victory over sin. 1 Peter
2:22; 1 John 3:5.
7.
First great temptation. Matt. 4:1-4.
8.
Second great temptation. Matt.
4:5-7.
9.
Third great temptation. Matt.
4:8-11.
III. Elements of Victory
10.
Prayer and suffering. Heb. 5:7-9.
11.
Resistance. Heb. 12:3, 4.
12.
Watchfulness and prayer. Matt.
26:41.
13.
Help in Christ. Heb. 4:16.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Jesus is our example in all things. "He
would not parley with temptation. Jesus
met Satan with the words of Scripture.
'It is written,' He said. In every temptation
the weapon of His warfare was the word
of God. Satan demanded of Christ a mira-
cle as a sign of His divinity. But that
which is greater than all miracles, a firm
reliance upon a 'Thus saith the Lord,' was
a sign that could not be controverted."-
The Desire of Ages,
page 120.
Christ's incarnation
1. At the proper moment in his-
tory, whom did God send unto the
world? Gal. 4:4; John 1:14.
NOTE.
-"'When
the fullness of the time
was come, God sent forth His Son.' Provi-
dence had directed the movements of na-
tions, and the tide of human impulse and
influence, until the world was ripe for the
coming of the Deliverer. The nations were
united under one government. One lan-
guage was widely spoken, and was every-
where recognized as the language of litera-
ture. From all lands the Jews of the disper-
sion gathered to Jerusalem to the annual
feasts. As these returned to the places of
their sojourn, they could spread throughout
the world the tidings of the Messiah's
coming."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 32.
2. What had been Christ's nature
and work, before the incarnation?
John 1:1-3.
[ 7
3. In what striking way did Paul
describe Christ's condescension? Phil.
2:6-8; 2 Cor. 8:9.
4. What is Christ able to do as a re-
sult of His having become man? Heb.
2:17.
"Where there is no active la-
bor for others, love wanes,
and faith grows dim."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 825.
Christ and Temptation
5.
In His humanity, to what was
Christ exposed? Heb. 4:15.
NOTE.—"Many claim that it was impos-
sible for Christ to be overcome by tempta-
tion. Then He could not have been placed
in Adam's position; He could not have
gained the victory that Adam failed to
gain. If we have in any sense a more trying
conflict than had Christ, then He would not
be able to succor us. But our Saviour took
humanity, with all its liabilities. He took
the nature of man, with the possibility of
yielding to temptation. We have nothing
to bear which He has not endured."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 117.
6.
How successful was Christ in
His battle against temptation? 1 Pe-
ter 2:22; 1 John 3:5.
NoTE.—"Though susceptible to tempta-
tion and 'in all points tempted like as we
are,' Jesus was nevertheless altogether
`without sin.' . . .
"Our Saviour 'assumed the liabilities of
human nature, to be proved and tried'
(EGW ST Aug. 2, 1905; cf. DA 117, 131).
`Like every child of Adam He accepted the
results of the working of the great law of
heredity' (DA 49).
" 'He could have sinned; . . . but not for
one moment was there in Him an evil pro-
pensity' (EGW Letter 8, 1895 . . .). He
took 'the nature but not the sinfulness of
man' (EGW ST May 29, 1901). 'He van-
quished Satan in the same nature over
which in Eden Satan obtained the victory'
(EGW YI April 25, 1901).
" 'Jesus revealed no qualities, and exer-
cised no powers, that men may not have
through faith in Him. His perfect human-
ity is that which all His followers may
possess' (DA 664; cf. 24). 'In His human
nature He maintained the purity of His
divine character' (ML 323). 'No trace of
sin marred the image of God within Him'
(DA 71; cf.
123)."—S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary, vol.
5, p. 918.
7.
While Jesus was fasting and
praying in the wilderness, what great
temptation came to Him, and how did
He meet it? Matt. 4:1-4.
NOTE.—"Though he [Satan] appears as
an angel of light, these first words betray
his character. `If thou be the Son of God.'
Here is the insinuation of distrust. Should
Jesus do what Satan suggests, it would be
an acceptance of the doubt. . . . If Christ's
confidence in God could be shaken, Satan
knew that the victory in the whole contro-
versy would be
his."—The Desire of Ages,
pages 118, 119.
8.
What was the second great temp-
tation that confronted Jesus, and how
did He meet it? Matt. 4:5-7.
NOTE.—"The tempter thought to take
advantage of Christ's humanity, and urge
Him to presumption. But while Satan can
solicit, he cannot compel to sin. He said
to Jesus, 'Cast Thyself down,' knowing
that he could not cast Him down; for God
would interpose to deliver Him. Nor could
[8
]
Satan force Jesus to cast Himself down.
Unless Christ should consent to temptation,
He could not be overcome. Not all the
power of earth or hell could force Him in
the slightest degree to depart from the will
of His Father. The tempter can never com-
pel us to do
evil."—The Desire of Ages,
page 125.
"Presumption is Satan's counterfeit of
faith. Faith claims God's promises, and
brings forth fruit in obedience. Presump-
tion also claims the promises, but uses them
as Satan did, to excuse transgression. Faith
would have led our first parents to trust the
love of God, and to obey His commands.
Presumption led them to transgress His law,
believing that His great love would save
them from the consequence of their sin. It
is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven
without complying with the conditions on
which mercy is to be granted. Genuine
faith has its foundation in the promises and
provisions of the Scriptures."—Ibid., p. 126.
9. What was His third great temp-
tation, and how did Jesus obtain the
victory? Matt. 4:8-11.
NOTE.—"Christ's victory was as complete
as had been the failure of Adam. So we
may resist temptation, and force Satan to
depart from us. Jesus gained the victory
through submission and faith in God, and
by the apostle He says to us, 'Submit your-
selves therefore to God. Resist the devil,
and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to
God, and He will draw nigh to you.' James
4:7, 8. We cannot save ourselves from the
tempter's power; he has conquered hu-
manity, and when we try to stand in our
own strength, we shall become a prey to
his devices; but 'the name of the Lord is
a strong tower: the righteous runneth into
it, and is safe.' Prov. 18:10. Satan trem-
bles and flees before the weakest soul who
finds refuge in that mighty name."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 130, 131.
"Behold the Son of God bowed in prayer
to His Father! Though He is the Son of
God, He strengthens His faith by prayer,
and by communion with Heaven gathers to
Himself power to resist evil and to minister
to the needs of
men."—Gospel Workers,
page 511.
Elements of Victory
10.
What were some of the ele-
ments that entered into Jesus' victory?
Heb. 5:7-9.
NOTE.—"Jesus Himself, while He dwelt
among men, was often in prayer. Our
Saviour identified Himself with our needs
and weakness, in that He became a sup-
pliant, a petitioner, seeking from His Fa-
ther fresh supplies of strength, that He
might come forth braced for duty and trial.
He is our example in all things. . . . His
humanity made prayer a necessity and a
privilege. He found comfort and joy in
communion with His Father. And if the
Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the
need of prayer, how much more should
feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of
fervent, constant prayer."—Steps
to Christ,
pages 93, 94.
"Not even by a thought did He yield to
temptation. . . . And how this is accom-
plished, Christ has shown us. By what
means did He overcome in the conflict with
Satan? By the word of God. Only by
the word could He resist temptation."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 123.
11.
How great was Jesus' struggle
against sin? Heb. 12:3, 4.
NOTE.—"It was a difficult task for the
Prince of life to carry out the plan which
He had undertaken for the salvation of
man, in clothing His divinity with human-
ity. He had received honor in the heavenly
courts, and was familiar with absolute
power. It was as difficult for Him to keep
the level of humanity as for men to rise
above the low level of their depraved na-
tures, and be partakers of the divine na-
ture.
"Christ was put to the closest test, re-
quiring the strength of all His faculties to
resist the inclination when in danger, to use
His power to deliver Himself from peril,
and triumph over the power of the prince
of darkness. Satan showed his knowledge
of the weak points of the human heart, and
put forth his utmost power to take ad-
vantage of the weakness of the humanity
f 9 ]
which Christ had assumed in order to over-
come his temptations on man's account."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol.
7, p. 930.
12.
What counsel did Jesus give to
His disciples to fortify them against
being overcome? Matt. 26:41.
13.
Because of Jesus' victory, where
are we encouraged to find help in our
struggle against sin? Heb. 4:16.
NorE.—"It would be well to spend a
thoughtful hour each day reviewing the
life of Christ from the manger to Calvary.
We should take it point by point and let
the imagination vividly grasp each scene,
especially the closing ones of His earthly
life. By thus contemplating His teachings
and sufferings, and the infinite sacrifice
made by Him for the redemption of the
race, we may strengthen our faith, quicken
our love, and become more deeply imbued
with the spirit which sustained our Sav-
iour."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 374.
Questions for Meditation
1.
How much do I sense the awful risk
Jesus took to save me?
2.
Why did He take such a risk?
3.
Have I invited Christ into my heart to
be my victor?
Lesson 3, for October 20, 1962
The Armor of God—I
MEMORY VERSE:
"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil." Eph. 6:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," pages
141-144 (1943 ed.,
pp. 203-207); "Testimonies," vol. 5, pp. 394, 395; "The Acts of the Apostles,"
pages 219, 220; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General
survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-8.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9-11; begin
reading from Study Helps.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read
further from Study Helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Spiritual Warfare
1.
The enemy. Eph. 6:12.
2.
The weapons. 2 Cor. 10:3, 4.
3.
The effectiveness of the weapons.
2 Cor. 10:5.
4.
The armor. Eph. 6:11-13.
II. The Belt of Truth
5.
Part of the armor. Eph. 6:14, first
part.
6.
Definition of truth. John 17:17;
14:6; Ps. 119:142, 151.
7.
Truth can be discovered. John
8:32.
8.
Deception for those who love not
the truth. 2 Thess. 2:9-12.
[ 10 3
Ill. The Breastplate of Righteousness
9.
As part of the armor. Eph. 6:14,
last part.
10.
Faith and love included in the
breastplate. 1 Thess. 5:8.
11.
The Bible instructs in righteousness.
2 Tim. 3:16.
12.
Doers of righteousness contrasted
with sinners. 1 John 3:7, 8.
13.
Righteousness promised. Matt.
5:6.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet
really more invincible, than the soul that
feels its nothingness and relies wholly on
the merits of the Saviour. God would send
every angel in heaven to the aid of such a
one, rather than allow him to be over-
come."—Testimonies, vol.
7, p. 17.
Spiritual Warfare
1.
In
the battles of life, against
what powers do we wrestle? Eph.
6:12.
NOTE.—"The church of Christ may be
fitly compared to an army. The life of
every soldier is one of toil, hardship, and
danger. On every hand are vigilant foes, led
on by the prince of the powers of dark-
ness, who never slumbers and never deserts
his post. Whenever a Christian is off his
guard, this powerful adversary makes a
sudden and violent attack. Unless the mem-
bers of the church are active and vigilant,
they will be overcome by his devices."—
Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 394.
2.
How does the apostle Paul de-
scribe the weapons of our warfare?
2 Cor. 10:3, 4.
NOTE.—"Paul does not need worldly
weapons. He does not use means which
appeal to human passions or lusts, as men
do in a political struggle or in the com-
petitive rivalries of business. These are
useless in the warfare of the spirit. Its
weapons are those of truth, and love, and
righteousness, which have in them the
power that alone can conquer evil where
it has its root—in the hearts of men. These
weapons Paul enumerates in Eph. 6, where
he also counsels the Ephesians to be 'strong
in the Lord and in the strength of His
might' (Eph. 6:10)."—The
Interpreter's
Bible, vol.
10, p. 384.
3.
When we employ these weapons,
of what complete victory are we as-
sured? 2 Cor. 10:5.
NOTE.—"The will must be placed on the
side of God's will. You are not able, of
yourself, to bring your purposes and desires
and inclinations into submission to the will
of God; but if you are 'willing to be made
willing,' God will accomplish the work for
you, even 'casting down imaginations, and
every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of
Christ.' "—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
page 142.
4.
If we would be complete vic-
tors, how must we be equipped? Eph.
6:11-13.
NOTE.—"It is not safe for us, when
going into battle, to cast away our weap-
ons. It is then that we need to be equipped
with the whole armor of God. Every piece
is
essential."—Testimonies, vol.
7, p. 190.
"The Lord can bring victory out of that
which may seem to us discomfiture and de-
feat. We are in danger of forgetting God,
of looking at the things which are seen, in-
stead of beholding by the eye of faith the
things which are unseen."—The
Acts of
the Apostles,
page 481.
The Belt of Truth
5.
What is the first-named portion
of
the armor of God that we are to
wear? Eph. 6:14, first part.
NoTE.—Satan has a dozen counterfeits
for every truth. By science falsely so-
called, he captures millions; by a counter-
feit gospel, doctrines, miracles, and revivals,
he leads other millions into allegiance with
him though they still wear the cloak of
professing Christianity. So plausible, so
deceptive, so convincing are his counterfeits
that Jesus said if possible the very elect
would be led astray. Matt. 24:24. The
girdle of truth (Eph. 6:14) is the answer
to who shall be able to stand. There is
power in truth. Satan hates truth. His
traffic is in lies. He "abode not in the
truth." John 8:44. He ever seeks to change
"the truth of God into a lie," causing men
to worship "the creature more than the
Creator." Rom. 1:25. The girdle of truth
will make us impregnable to Satan's sophis-
tries. "Ye shall know the truth, and the
truth shall make you free." John 8:32.
6.
What is truth? John 17:17; 14:6;
Ps. 119:142, 151.
7.
What is promised to those who
know the truth? John 8:32.
8.
What will be the experience of
those who love not the truth? 2 Thess.
2:9-12.
NOTE.—"The unregenerate not only re-
ject truth but even refuse to entertain a
love for truth, that is, they hate truth. This
attitude does not concern truth in the ab-
stract, but 'the truth,' the one great truth
that comes from God, which is embodied in
Christ Jesus. Final condemnation of sin-
ners will be based on their rejection of Je-
sus, who is 'the truth' (John 14:6). Their
refusal to cherish a love for what is true
makes them susceptible to being influenced
by all that is deceitful, by all the machina-
tions of the wicked
one."—S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
on 2 Thess. 2:10.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
9.
What is the next-mentioned part
of the armor of God? Eph. 6:14, last
part.
NOTE.—"As the breastplate covers the
heart of the soldier, righteousness preserves
the life of the believer, and protects the
`vital organs' of spiritual life."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 6:14.
"When we submit ourselves to Christ,
the heart is united with His heart, the will
is merged in His will, the mind becomes one
with His mind, the thoughts are brought
into captivity to Him; we live His life. This
is what it means to be clothed with the
garment of His righteousness. Then as the
Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-
leaf garment, not the nakedness and de-
formity of sin, but His own robe of right-
eousness, which is perfect obedience to the
law of
Jehovah."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 312.
10.
What is included in the Chris-
tian's breastplate? 1 Thess. 5:8.
NOTE.—"That is, the breastplate which
is
faith and love. The two qualities, faith
and love, are integral parts of righteousness.
Faith is the active laying hold of that right-
eousness that Christ imparts to the be-
liever. Love, that great attribute of God's
character (1 John 4:8), is shed abroad in
our hearts by God's Holy Spirit (Rom.
5:5)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on I
Thess. 5:8.
11.
From what source does man re-
ceive instruction in righteousness? 2
Tim. 3:16.
NOTE.—"Never attempt to search the
Scriptures unless you are ready to listen,
unless you are ready to be a learner, un-
less you are ready to listen to the word of
God as though His voice were speaking
directly to you from the living oracles.
Never let mortal man sit in judgment upon
the word of God or pass sentence as to
how much of this is inspired and how much
is not inspired, and that this is more inspired
than some other portions. God warns him
off that ground. God has not given him
any such work to do."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 919.
[ 12 ]
"Receive into the soul by
faith the incorruptible seed
of the word, and it will
bring forth a character and
a life after the similitude of
the character and the life of
God."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 38.
12. With whom are the doers of
righteousness contrasted? 1 John
3:7, 8.
NOTE.—"In the simplest language John
sets before us true practical godliness. This
simplicity does not show shallowness, but
depth. John is speaking to real men and
women, and the Holy Spirit directed him
to write in such a way that they would
be brought in contact with a real, living
God. He shows us what God is doing,
and what man must do to meet God's re-
quirements. John does not present the
truth hesitatingly, but in a decided man-
ner. He speaks positively."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7,
p. 951.
13. What is promised to those who
hunger and thirst after righteousness?
Matt. 5:6.
NOTE.—"If you have a sense of need in
your soul, if you hunger and thirst after
righteousness, this is an evidence that Christ
has wrought upon your heart, in order that
He may be sought unto to do for you,
through the endowment of the Holy Spirit,
those things which it is impossible for you
to do for
yourself."—Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing,
page 19.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Do I have a true appreciation for the
truth of God?
2.
Is my religion of the heart or of the
head?
3.
How can I tell the difference?
Lesson 4, for October 27, 1962
The Armor of God—II
MEMORY VERSE:
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God." Eph. 6:17.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pp. 153-155; "Steps to Christ," chapter,
"Faith and Acceptance;" "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin
reading Study Helps.
0
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
[ 13 ]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Shoes
1.
The gospel of peace. Eph. 6:15.
2.
Isaiah's figure of speech. Isa. 52:7;
Rom. 10:15.
3.
The source of peace. Rom. 5:1;
John 14:27.
II. The Shield
4.
Faith. Eph. 6:16, first part.
5.
Faith defined. Heb. 11:1.
6.
The source of faith. Rom. 12:3.
7.
Faith nourished by the word. Rom.
10:17.
8. Victory through faith. Eph. 6:16,
last part.
III. The Helmet
9. Salvation. Eph. 6:17, first part.
10. The measure of God's salvation.
Heb. 2:3; 7:25; Rev. 22:17.
IV. The Sword
11. Word of God. Eph. 6:17, last part.
12. Word otherwise represented. Jer.
15:16; 23:29; Ps. 119:105; 1 Peter
2:2.
13. Victory ours through the word.
Ps. 119:11.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Those who endeavor to obey all the
commandments of God will be opposed
and derided. They can stand only in God.
In order to endure the trial before them,
they must understand the will of God as
revealed in His word; they can honor Him
only as they have a right conception of His
character, government, and purposes, and
act in accordance with them. None but
those who have fortified the mind with
the truths of the Bible will stand through
the last great conflict. To every soul will
come the searching test: Shall. I obey God
rather than men? The decisive hour is
even now at hand. Are our feet planted on
the rock of God's immutable word? Are
we prepared to stand firm in defense of the
commandments of God and the faith of
Jesus?"-The
Great Controversy,
pages
593, 594.
"If there is ever one time above another
when men need to preserve their connec-
tion with God, it is when they are called
to bear special responsibility. It is not
safe for us, when going into battle, to cast
away our weapons. It is then that we need
to be equipped with the whole armor of
God. Every piece is essential."-Testi-
monies, vol.
7, p. 190.
The Shoes
1. What is the third portion of the
armor of God as described by the
apostle Paul? Eph. 6:15.
[
2.
What beautiful figure of speech
is used by Isaiah of the bringers of
good tidings to Zion? Isa. 52:7; Rom.
10:15.
NOTE.
-"Where
there is no active labor
for others, love wanes, and faith grows
dim."-The Desire of Ages,
page 825.
"While the angels hold the four winds,
we are to work with all our capabilities.
. . . Human souls are hanging in the bal-
ance. . . . One soul is of more value to
heaven than a whole world of property,
houses, lands, money. For the conver-
sion of one soul we should tax our re-
sources to the
utmost."-Testimonies,
vol.
6, pp. 21, 22.
3.
What does the expression "shod
with the gospel of peace" suggest to
you? How is this peace obtained?
Rom. 5:1; John 14:27.
NOTE.
-No man
can do battle with the
devil without the peace of God in his heart.
There can be no peace unless there is one-
ness with God; and there can be no one-
ness with God unless we are forever
through with sin. No one is truly grounded
and established until he is at peace with
God. "Therefore being justified by faith,
we have peace with God." Rom. 5:1. Only
those who have peace with God can effec-
tively serve as messengers of peace to oth-
ers. If we are not what we preach, our
witnessing will be ineffectual. The gospel
must live in us. Before we can truly rec-
ommend the Great Physician, we must be
able to say, "He healed me."
"The cause of God is a sure
bank that can never fail, and
the
investment
of our time,
our interest, and our means
in it is a treasure in the heav-
ens that faileth not."—T
esti-
monies,
vol. 3,
p. 90. (Italics
supplied.)
The Shield
4.
What part of the Christian ar-
mor is declared to be the most im-
portant? Eph. 6:16, first part.
5.
What is faith? Heb. 11:1.
NOTE.—"Many hold faith as an opinion.
Saving faith is a transaction, by which
those who receive Christ join themselves in
covenant relation with God. A living faith
means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust,
by which, through the grace of Christ, the
soul becomes a conquering power."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 62.
6.
What is the source of faith?
Rom.
12:3.
7.
How is faith nourished and en-
larged? Rom. 10:17.
NoTE.—"How to exercise faith should
be made very plain. To every promise of
God there are conditions. If we are will-
ing to do His will, all His strength is ours.
Whatever gift He promises, is in the prom-
ise itself. 'The seed is the word of God.'
Luke 8:11. As surely as the oak is in the
acorn, so surely is the gift of God in His
promise. If we receive the promise, we
have the gift.
"Faith that enables us to receive God's
gifts is itself a gift, of which some measure
is imparted to every human being. It grows
as exercised in appropriating the word of
God. In order to strengthen faith, we must
often bring it in contact with the word."—
Education,
pages 253, 254.
8.
What alone can quench all the
fiery darts of the evil one? Eph. 6:16,
last part.
NOTE.—The devil has his fiery darts and
there is no question about his deadly aim,
but the child of God who hides behind the
shield of faith will be fully protected.
Thank God, "all" the "fiery darts" lose
their power when they hit the shield of
faith. Behind the shield of faith, we are
safely hid in Christ. There is no other
protection. Human resolutions, human
schemes, human effort, will only fail; but
Jesus never fails. The Christian experience
of millions has been destroyed by the
darts of pride, envy, jealousy, discourage-
ment, worry, impurity, impatience, hatred;
but, thank God, the shield of faith is able
to quench all these.
The Helmet
9.
What does the helmet represent?
Eph. 6:17, first part.
NorE.—The heart and the head are both
vital parts of the body; hence the necessity
for a covering or protection. Just as each
soldier must individually wear a headgear,
so each individual must put on salvation.
As the governments furnish helmets for
their soldiers, so the Lord of Hosts has pre-
pared the helmet of salvation. It is of His
planning that we are to take what He
provides, and His provisions are ample.
Salvation, like all God's promises and trea-
sures, is a free gift.
115
10.
What is the measure of God's
salvation? Heb. 2:3; 7:25; Rev. 22:17.
The Sword
11.
What is the last-mentioned part
of the Christian's armor? Eph. 6:17,
last part.
NoTE.—The word is called "the sword
of the Spirit." It was given under the in-
spiration of the Holy Spirit and is made
effectual by His presence and power. The
Spirit and the word are inseparable in the
proclamation of the gospel.
"The sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God, pierces the heart of the sin-
ner and cuts it in pieces. When the theory
of the truth is repeated without its sacred
influence being felt upon the soul of the
speaker, it has no force upon the hearers,
but is rejected as
error."—Testimonies,
vol.
4,
p.
441.
12.
To what else is the word lik-
ened? Jer. 15:16; 23:29; Ps. 119:105;
1 Peter 2:2.
13.
What will God's word hidden
in the heart do for the Christian? Ps.
119:11.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Am I prepared to stand in defense of
the truth of God?
2.
What effort am I putting forth to get
ready?
3.
Can the Holy Spirit bring to my mem-
ory in time of need a truth I have not
studied?
Lesson 5, for November 3, 1962
Meeting Temptations and Trials Triumphantly
MEMORY VERSE:
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that
I
might not sin against
Thee." Ps. 119:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps to Christ," chapter, "The Test of Discipleship;" "The Desire
of Ages," pages 167-177; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
reading Study Helps.
❑
Sunday:
Questions
1-3.
❑
Thursday:
Finish reading Study
Monday:
Questions 4-6.
❑
Helps.
Tuesday:
Questions 7-10.
❑
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
Wednesday: Questions 11-13
;
begin
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Natural Man
1.
Has a sinful nature. John 3:6;
Eph. 2:3, 5, 12.
2.
Must be born again.
John
3:3-5.
3.
Receives a new nature. 2 Peter
1:4; Eph. 4:22-24.
II. The New Life
4.
Evidences of the new birth. Rom.
8:14; 1 John 2:4-6; 3:14.
5.
The old nature crucified.
Rom.
6:6,
7, 11, 12.
161
6. Paul's fight with sin in his own life.
1 Cor. 9:26, 27.
III. Dealing With Temptation
7. Temptation defined. James 1:14;
2 Peter 3:17.
8. Help in time of temptation. Heb.
2:17, 18; Ps. 119:11.
9. Blessings in temptation. James
1:2-4.
10.
Limits of temptations. 1 Cor.
10:13.
IV. Refusal to Do Wrong Is Not
Enough
11.
Must actively do right. Rom. 6:13.
12.
Divine power essential. 2 Peter 2:9.
13.
Immunity by divine birth. 1 John
3:9.
THE LESSON
Introduction
We must distinguish between the sug-
gestion of evil and the cherishing of evil.
We cannot prevent an evil suggestion from
being made to us by the enemy of all
righteousness. He may whisper it to the
inner consciousness of our minds. He may
speak to us through some human being.
This is not sin. It becomes sin only as we
cherish the evil suggestion. The servant
of God stated it this way: "There are
thoughts and feelings suggested and aroused
by Satan that annoy even the best of men;
but if they are not cherished, if they are
repulsed as hateful, the soul is not con-
taminated with guilt, and no other is de-
filed by their influence."—Ellen G. White,
Review and Herald,
March 27, 1888.
The Natural Man
1.
Since the fall of Adam, with
what nature are all men born into this
world? John 3:6; Eph. 2:3, 5, 12.
2.
Since all born of the flesh inherit
a sinful nature, what experience does
Jesus say must come to every true
Christian? John 3:3-5.
3.
How is the new nature wrought
in us? 2 Peter 1:4; Eph. 4:22-24.
NoTE.—"By an agency as unseen as the
wind, Christ is constantly working upon
the heart. Little by little, perhaps uncon-
sciously to the receiver, impressions are
made that tend to draw the soul to Christ.
These may be received through meditating
upon Him, through reading the Scriptures,
or through hearing the word from the liv-
ing preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes
with more direct appeal, the soul gladly
surrenders itself to Jesus. By many this
is called sudden conversion; but it is the
result of long wooing by the Spirit of God,
—a patient, protracted process. . . .
"It is impossible for finite minds to com-
prehend the work of redemption. Its mys-
tery exceeds human knowledge; yet he
who passes from death to life realizes that
it is a divine reality. The beginning of
redemption we may know here through a
personal experience. Its results reach
through the eternal ages."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 172, 173.
The New Life
4.
What are some evidences that
one has experienced the new birth?
Rom.
8:14; 1 John 2:4-6; 3:14.
NOTE.—"There are many who have not
a correct knowledge of what constitutes a
Christian character, and their lives are a
reproach to the cause of truth. If they
were thoroughly converted they would
not bear briers and thorns, but rich
clusters of the precious fruits of the Spirit,
—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentle-
ness, goodness, faith, meekness, temper-
ance.' The great danger is in neglecting
a heartwork. Many feel well pleased with
themselves; they think that a nominal ob-
servance of the divine law is sufficient,
while they are unacquainted with the grace
17
of Christ, and He is not abiding in the
heart by living
faith."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 306.
"It it not enough to believe the theory
of truth. It is not enough to make a pro-
fession of faith in Christ and have our
names registered on the church roll. 'He
that keepeth His commandments dwelleth
in Him, and He in him. And hereby we
know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit
which He hath given us.' Hereby we do
know that we know Him, if we keep His
commandments.' 1 John 3:24; 2:3. This
is the genuine evidence of conversion.
Whatever our profession, it amounts to
nothing unless Christ is revealed in works
of righteousness."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 312, 313.
5. How is the Christian to deal
with the old sinful nature? Roni.
6:6, 7, 11, 12.
NOTE.—" 'The prince of this world com-
eth,' said Jesus, 'and bath nothing in Me.'
John 14:30. There was in Him nothing
that responded to Satan's sophistry. He
did not consent to sin. Not even by a
thought did He yield to temptation. So
it may be with us. Christ's humanity was
united with divinity; He was fitted for the
conflict by the indwelling of the Holy
Spirit. And He came to make us partakers
of the divine nature. So long as we are
united to Him by faith, sin has no more
dominion over us. . . .
"And how this is accomplished, Christ has
shown us. By what means did He over-
come in the conflict with Satan? By the
word of God. Only by the word could He
resist temptation. 'It is written,' He said.
And unto us are given 'exceeding great and
precious promises: that by these ye might
be partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world
through lust.' 2 Peter 1:4. Every promise
in God's word is ours. 'By every word that
proceedeth out of the mouth of God' are
we to live. When assailed by temptation,
look not to circumstances or to the weak-
ness of self, but to the power of the word.
All its strength is yours. 'Thy word,' says
the psalmist, 'have I hid in mine heart, that
I might not sin against Thee.' By the word
of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths
of the destroyer.' Ps. 119:11;
17:4."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 123.
6.
How did Paul fight sin in his
own life? 1 Cor. 9:26, 27.
NoTE.—Moffatt translates this passage
thus: "Well, I run without swerving; I do
not plant my blows upon the empty air—
no, I maul and master my body, lest, after
preaching to other people, I am disquali-
fied myself."
(The Bible: A New Transla-
tion.
Copyright 1922, 1935, and 1950, by
Harper & Brothers. Used by permission.)
Weymouth makes it read: "I, then, so
run, as with no uncertain aim. I am a
boxer who does not beat the air; I bruise
my body and make it my slave, lest pos-
sibly, after being a herald to others, I my-
self should be rejected."
(The New Testa-
ment in Modern Speech.
Used by permis-
sion of Harper & Brothers, publishers.)
"We are under solemn obligations to
God to keep the spirit pure and the body
healthy, that we may be a benefit to
humanity, and render to God perfect ser-
vice. The apostle utters these words of
warning: 'Let not sin therefore reign in
your mortal body, that ye should obey it
in the lusts thereof.' He urges us onward
by telling us that 'every man that striveth
for the mastery is temperate in all things.'
He exhorts all who call themselves Chris-
tians to present their bodies 'a living sacri-
fice, holy, acceptable unto God.' He says:
`I keep under my body, and bring it into
subjection, lest that by any means, when
I have preached to others, I myself should
be as castaway.' "
Testimonies, vol.
2, p.
381.
Dealing With Temptation
7.
What is the source of tempta-
tion? James 1:14; 2 Peter 3:17.
8.
In time of trial and temptation,
where may help be found? Heb. 2:17,
18; Ps. 119:11.
NOTE.—
"
Christ must become man so
completely and fully that it can never be
said that He is a stranger to any tempta-
tion, any sorrow, any trial or suffering
that men must pass through. . . .
18
"Although this does not mean that His
experiences must be identical with ours in
every respect—for a thousand lifetimes
would not be sufficient for that—it does
mean that the trials must be representative,
and must in principle include all that man
has to suffer, and that in severity they
must fully measure up to all that men
have to bear."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Heb. 2:17.
9.
In what way may temptations or
trials turn out to be a blessing and a
cause for joy? James 1:2-4.
NOTE.—"To the mature Christian the
trials and tests of life need bring no burden
of disappointment or discouragement. All
this the Christian endures in faith and
hope, 'as seeing Him who is invisible' (Heb.
11:27). Christian joy and courage are
based, not on external circumstances—which
may often be most forbidding—but on
faith in God's overuling providence and in
intelligent understanding of His dealings
with men. Human philosophies of life, re-
ligious or secular, may prepare men to meet
trouble philosophically, with a calm and
patient spirit, but Christianity teaches men
how to be joyful under such circumstances
through an intelligent understanding of the
causes of suffering and through faith in
God."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on
James 1:2.
"Temptations will pour in upon us, for
by them we are to be tried during our
probation upon earth. This is the proving
of God, a revelation of our own hearts.
There is no sin in have temptations; but
sin comes in when temptation is yielded to."
—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 358.
10.
What assurance is given re-
garding the severity of temptations?
1 Cor. 10:13.
NOTE.—"Yet we should not lose courage
when assailed by temptation. Often when
placed in a trying situation we doubt that
the Spirit of God has been leading us. But
it was the Spirit's leading that brought
Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by
Satan. When God brings us into trial, He
has a purpose to accomplish for our good.
Jesus did not presume on God's promises
by going unbidden into temptation, neither
did He give up to despondency when temp-
tation came upon Him. Nor should we.
`God is faithful, who will not suffer you to
be tempted above that ye are able; but will
with the temptation also make a way to
escape, that ye may be able to bear it.'
He says, 'Offer unto God thanksgiving;
and pay thy vows unto the Most High:
and call upon Me in the day of trouble:
I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify
Me.' 1 Cor. 10:13; Ps. 50:14,
15."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 126, 129.
"As our physical life is sus-
tained by food, so our spiri-
tual life is sustained by the
word of God. And every soul
is to receive life from God's
word for himself."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 390.
Refusal to Do Wrong Is Not
Enough
11.
In addition to forsaking all sin,
what else should the Christian do?
Rom. 6:13. Compare Matt. 12:43-45.
NoTE.—"There were many in Christ's
day, as there are today, over whom the
control of Satan for the time seemed
broken; through the grace of God they
were set free from the evil spirits that had
held dominion over the soul. They re-
joiced in the love of God; but, like the
stony-ground hearers of the parable, they
did not abide in His love. They did not
surrender themselves to God daily, that
Christ might dwell in the heart; and when
the evil spirit returned, with 'seven other
spirits more wicked than himself,' they
were wholly dominated by the power of
evil.
"When the soul surrenders itself to
Christ, a new power takes possession of
the new heart. A change is wrought which
man can never accomplish for himself. It
is a supernatural work, bringing a super-
(19
7
natural element into human nature. The
soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His
own fortress, which He holds in a revolted
world, and He intends that no authority
shall be known in it but His own. A soul
thus kept in possession by the heavenly
agencies is impregnable to the assaults of
Satan."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 323,
324.
12.
What is the Lord able to do for
the tempted and tried? 2 Peter 2:9.
13.
What will be the experience of
one born of God? 1 John 3:9.
NOTE.—"Doth not commit sin" means
"does not continue in habitual sin." The
Christian ought not to commit a single sin,
but if he does he has an advocate in Jesus
Christ. 1 John 2:1.
"When there has been a departure from
the right path, it is difficult to return. Bar-
riers have been removed, safeguards broken
down. One step in the wrong direction pre-
pares the way for another. A single glass
of wine may open the door of temptation
which will lead to habits of drunkenness. A
single vindictive feeling indulged may open
the way to a train of feelings which will
end in murder. The least deviation from
right and principle will lead to _separation
from God and may end is apostasy. What
we do once, we more readily and naturally
do again; and to go forward in a certain
path, be it right or wrong, is more easy
than to start. It takes less time and labor
to corrupt our ways before God than to
engraft upon the character habits of right-
eousness and truth. Whatever a man be-
comes accustomed to, be its influence good
or evil, he finds it difficult to abandon."—
Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 578.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Have I yielded completely to the Holy
Spirit's regenerating power?
2.
Are the evidences of regeneration seen
daily in my life?
Lesson
6, for November 10, 1962
Prayer—What Is It?
MEMORY VERSE:
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
and watching thereunto with all perseverence and supplication for all saints."
Eph. 6:18.
STUDY HELPS:
"Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," chapter, "The Lord's
Prayer;" "Steps to Christ," chapter, "The Privilege of Prayer;" "Testimonies,"
vol. 7, pages 34-36; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions
4-6.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 7-9; begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
[ 20 ]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Prayer Made Necessary
1.
Communion in Eden. Gen. 2:15,
16, 19; 3:8.
2.
The original communion lost. Gen.
3:22-24.
3.
Communion now through prayer.
Luke 18:1; Isa. 55:6.
II. The One Addressed
4.
The Father. Matt. 6:6; John 16:23,
24, 26.
5.
Sometimes Jesus. Acts 7:59; Rev.
22:20.
6.
The Father, in Jesus' name. John
14:13; 15:16.
III. General Admonitions Concerning
Prayer
7.
Ostentation decried. Matt. 6:5, 6.
8.
Vain repetitions forbidden. Matt.
6:7, 8.
9.
Sincerity enjoined. 1 Tim. 2:8.
IV. Encouragement to Prayer
10.
All things a subject of prayer. Phil.
4:6.
11.
Appropriate any time. 1 Thess.
5:17; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2:
12.
The petitioner rewarded. Matt.
7:7.
13.
The petitioner aided. Rom. 8:26,
27.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Through nature and revelation, through
His providence, and by the influence of His
Spirit, God speaks to us. But these are not
enough; we need also to pour out our
hearts to Him. In order to have spiritual
life and energy, we must have actual inter-
course with our heavenly Father. Our
minds may be drawn out toward Him; we
may meditate upon His works, His mer-
cies, His blessings; but this is not, in the
fullest sense, communing with Him. In or-
der to commune with God, we must have
something to say to Him concerning our
actual
life."-Steps to Christ,
page 93.
Prayer Made Necessary
1. Before sin entered this world,
how did the Creator commune with
Adam and Eve? Gen. 2:15, 16, 19;
3:8.
NOTE.
-"The
Garden of Eden was the
schoolroom, nature was the lesson book,
the Creator Himself was the instructor,
and the parents of the human family were
the students. . . .
"In His interest for His children, our
heavenly Father personally directed their
education. Often they were visited by His
messengers, the holy angels, and from them
received counsel and instruction. Often as
they walked in the garden in the cool of
the day they heard the voice of God, and
face to face held communion with the
Eternal. His thoughts toward them were
`thoughts of peace, and not of evil.' Jere-
miah 29:11. His every purpose was their
highest
good."-Education,
pages 20, 21.
2.
What put an end to direct com-
munication between God and man in
the Garden of Eden? Gen. 3:22-24.
Compare Isa. 59:2.
NOTE.-"By sin man was shut out from
God. . . . We may not in person approach
into His presence; in our sin we may not
look upon His face; but we can behold. Him
and commune with Him in Jesus, the
Saviour."-Education,
page 28.
3.
What are men now urged to do?
Luke 18:1; Isa. 55:6.
NOTE.
-"Prayer
is the opening of the
heart to God as to a friend."-Steps
to
Christ,
page 93.
"Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union
of the soul with
God."-Ibid.,
p. 98.
[ 21 ]
NoTE.—"I desire therefore that in every
place men should pray, without anger or
quarreling or resentment or doubt [in
their minds], lifting up holy hands." 1 Tim.
2:8,
The Amplified New Testament.
(Used
by permission of the Lockman Foundation,
La Habra, California.)
"Genuine prayer, whether public or pri-
vate, can be made only in an atmosphere
of love and forgiveness. The spirit of
anger and revenge is incompatible with the
Spirit of God and must be removed before
there can be effective worship."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on 1 Tim. 2:8.
Encouragement to Prayer
10.
Under what conditions is
prayer appropriate? Phil. 4:6.
NoTE.—"Keep your wants, your joys,
your sorrows, your cares, and your fears
before God. You cannot burden Him; you
cannot weary Him. He who numbers the
hairs of your head is not indifferent to
the wants of His children. 'The Lord is
very pitiful, and of tender mercy.' James
5:11. His heart of love is touched by our
sorrows and even by our utterances of
them. Take to Him everything that per-
plexes the mind. Nothing is too great for
Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He
rules over all the affairs of the universe.
Nothing that in any way concerns our
peace is too small for Him to notice."—
Steps to Christ,
page 100.
11.
How constantly or continu-
ously should prayers be offered? 1
Thess. 5:17; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2.
NOTE.—"We should pray in the family
circle, and above all we must not neglect
secret prayer, for this is the life of the
soul. . . . There is no time or place in
which it is inappropriate to offer up a
petition to
God."—Steps to Christ,
pages
98, 99.
12.
Of what response is the peti-
tioner assured? Matt. 7:7.
13.
Of what assistance is the peti-
tioner assured? Rom. 8:26, 27.
NoTE.—"We can no more repent with-
out the Spirit of Christ to awaken the
conscience than we can be pardoned with-
out Christ."—Steps
to Christ,
page 26.
"By the Spirit every sincere prayer is
indited, and such prayer is acceptable to
God. Wherever a soul reaches out after
God, there the Spirit's working is manifest,
and God will reveal Himself to that soul.
For such worshipers He is seeking. He
waits to receive them, and to make them
His sons and daughters."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 189.
Questions for Meditation
1.
What do I allow to keep me from the
place of meditation and communion with
God?
2.
Is anything more important than
prayer?
3.
Could it be that just now someone
needs my intercessory prayer?
Lesson 7, for November 17, 1962
Effectual Prayer
MEMORY VERSE:
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
James
5:16,
last part.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps to Christ," chapter, "Consecration;" "Christ's Object Lessons,"
chapter, "Shall Not God Avenge His Own?" "Prophets and Kings," pages 155-
158;
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
[23
1
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
ther from Study Helps.
Sunday: Questions
1-4.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
0
Monday: Questions 5-7; begin read-
Thursday: Finish reading Study
ing from Study Helps.
❑
Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; read fur-
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Earnest Search Enjoined
1.
God's thoughts of peace. Jer. 29:11.
2.
Wholehearted search. Jer. 29:13.
3.
Wholehearted devotion. Luke
10:27.
4.
Consistency in prayer habits.
1 Thess. 5:16-18.
II. Earnest Search Rewarded
5.
Confidence in God. 1 John 5:14.
6.
Righteousness promised. Hosea
10:12.
7. Daniel's prayer answered. Dan.
10:2, 3, 10-14.
III. Examples of Earnest Seekers
8.
The importunate widow. Luke
18:1-8.
9.
Daniel. Dan. 9:3, 20-23.
10.
Jacob. Gen. 32:24-29.
11.
The Syrophoenician woman.
Mark 7:24-30.
12.
Elijah. 1 Kings 18:41-45.
13.
Elijah's example cited. James
5:16-18.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The need for importunity and persever-
ance in prayer is not to change God or His
attitude toward us, for He delights to
give. Delay may ensue because of our in-
capacity to receive the blessing asked for.
Usually when prayer answers are delayed
we should look within for the cause.
Importunate prayer is God's means of in-
creasing our capacity to receive and our
ability to share what He gives. It is also
His method of cultivating fellowship and
oneness with the suppliant. It is in fre-
quent communion that we come to know
Him. Prayer does not change God, but it
does change us. If the answer is delayed,
or if it is No, do not question God's wis-
dom or mercy, but keep on praying.
Sometimes in order to answer, God has to
humble proud hearts, subdue hard natures,
convict, convert, change conditions, permit
sickness, or send adversity.
Earnest Search Enjoined
1. What thoughts or desires did
God express for His ancient people?
Jer. 29:11.
NOTE.-" 'That the thoughts of many
hearts may be revealed.' In the light of the
Saviour's life, the hearts of all, even from
the Creator to the prince of darkness, are
revealed. Satan has represented God as
selfish and oppressive, as claiming all, and
giving nothing, as requiring the service of
His creatures for His own glory, and mak-
ing no sacrifice for their good. But the
gift of Christ reveals the Father's heart.
It testifies that the thoughts of God toward
us are 'thoughts of peace, and not of evil.'
Jer. 29:11. It declares that while God's ha-
tred of sin is as strong as death, His love for
the sinner is stronger than death. Having
undertaken our redemption, He will spare
nothing, however dear, which is necessary to
the completion of His work. No truth
essential to our salvation is withheld, no
miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine
agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped
upon favor, gift upon gift. The whole
treasury of heaven is open to those He
seeks to save. Having collected the riches
of
the universe, and laid open the resources
of
infinite power, He gives them all into
the hands of Christ, and says, All these are
for man. Use these gifts to convince him
that there is no love greater than Mine in
[ 24 ]
earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will
be found in loving
Me."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 57.
2.
How sincere should be our
search for God? Jer. 29:13.
NoTE.—"The whole heart must be yielded
to God, or the change can never be
wrought in us by which we are to be re-
stored to His likeness. By nature we are
alienated from God. The Holy Spirit de-
scribes our condition in such words as
these: 'Dead in trespasses and sins;' the
whole head is sick, and the whole heart
faint ;"no soundness in it.' We are held fast
in the snare of Satan; 'taken captive by
him at his will.' Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5,
6; 2 Timothy 2:26. God desires to heal us,
to set us free. But since this requires an
entire transformation, a renewing of our
whole nature, we must yield ourselves
wholly to
Him."—Steps to Christ,
page 43.
3.
In the words of Christ, what
constitutes wholehearted devotion to
God? Luke 10:27.
4.
In what spirit and how consist-
ently should we pray? 1 Thess. 5:
16-18.
NOTE.—A house servant gave a group of
ministers a good interpretation of the text,
"pray without ceasing" when she said,
"The more I have to do, the more I can
pray. . . . When I first open my eyes in
the morning, I pray, 'Lord, open the eyes
of my understanding;' and, while I am
dressing, I pray that I may be clothed with
the robe of righteousness; and, when I
have washed me, I ask for the washing of
regeneration; and, as I begin to work, I
pray that I may have strength equal to my
day; when I begin to kindle up the fire,
I pray that God's work may revive in my
soul; and, as I sweep out the house, I pray
that my heart may be cleansed from all its
impurities; and, while preparing and par-
taking of breakfast, I desire to be fed with
the hidden manna and the sincere milk of
the word; and, as I am busy with the
little children, I look up to God as my
Father, and pray for the spirit of adop-
tion, that I may be His child: and so on all
day. Everything I do furnishes me with a
thought for prayer."—Elon Foster,
6,000
Sermon Illustrations,
page 511.
Earnest Search Rewarded
5.
What confidence may we have
in God? 1 John 5:14.
6.
What results did Hosea say
would follow an earnest seeking after
God? Hosea 10:12.
NOTE.—"The garden of the heart must
be cultivated. The soil must be broken up
by deep repentance for sin. Poisonous,
satanic plants must be uprooted. The soil
once overgrown by thorns can be reclaimed
only by diligent labor. So the evil tend-
encies of the natural heart can be overcome
only by earnest effort in the name and
strength of Jesus. The Lord bids us by His
prophet, 'Break up your fallow ground,
and sow not among thorns.' Sow to your-
selves in righteousness; reap in mercy.'
Jer. 4:3; Hosea 10:12. This work He de-
sires to accomplish for us, and He asks us
to cooperate with
Him."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 56.
7.
After three weeks of earnest
praying how was Daniel rewarded?
Dan. 10:2, 3, 10-14.
Examples of Earnest Seekers
8.
What is the lesson in the nar-
rative of the importunate widow?
Luke 18:1-8.
NOTE.—"The Lord says, 'Call upon Me
in the day of trouble.' Ps. 50:15. He in-
vites us to present to Him our perplexities
and necessities, and our need of divine
help. He bids us be instant in prayer. As
soon as difficulties arise, we are to offer
to Him our sincere, earnest petitions. By
1
21J
our importunate prayers we give evidence
of our strong confidence in God. The sense
of our need leads us to pray earnestly, and
our heavenly Father is moved by our sup-
plications. . . . The children of God are
not left alone and defenseless. Prayer
moves the arm of Omnipotence. Prayer
has 'subdued kingdoms, wrought right-
eousness, obtained promises, stopped the
mouths of lions, quenched the violence of
fire'—we shall know what this means when
we hear the reports of the martyrs who
died for their faith—`turned to flight the
armies of the aliens.' Heb. 11:33, 34."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 172.
"Every principle in the word
of God has its place, every
fact its bearing. And the
complete structure, in design
and execution, bears testi-
mony to its Author. Such a
structure no mind but that
of the Infinite could conceive
or
fashion."—Education,
page 124.
9.
On another occasion how
was
Daniel's earnest prayer answered?
Dan. 9:3, 20-23.
10.
How persevering was Jacob in
pleading for a blessing? Gen. 32:
24-29.
NOTE.—"Jacob's night of anguish, when
he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from
the hand of Esau (Genesis 32:24-30), rep-
resents the experience of God's people in
the time of trouble. . . . His only hope
was in the mercy of God; his only defense
must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing un-
done on his own part to atone for the
wrong to his brother and to avert the
threatened danger. So should the followers
of Christ, as they approach the time of
trouble, make every exertion to place them-
selves in a proper light before the people, to
disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger
which threatens liberty of conscience. . . .
"He confesses his sin and gratefully ac-
knowledges the mercy of God toward him
while with deep humiliation he pleads the
covenant made with his fathers and the
promises to himself in the night vision at
Bethel and in the land of his_exile._ The
crisis in his life has come; everything is at
stake. In the darkness and solitude he
continues praying and humbling himself
before God. . . . Long has he endured
perplexity, remorse, and trouble for his
sin; now he must have the assurance that
it is pardoned. The divine visitant seems
about to depart; but Jacob clings to Him,
pleading for a blessing. The Angel urges,
`Let Me go, for the day breaketh;' but the
patriarch exclaims, 'I will not let Thee go,
except Thou bless me.' What confidence,
what firmness and perseverance, are here
displayed! Had this been a boastful, pre-
sumptuous claim, Jacob would have been
instantly destroyed; but his was the as-
surance of one who confesses his weakness
and unworthiness, yet trusts the mercy of
a covenant-keeping God."—The
Great
Controversy,
pages 616, 617.
11.
How did the Syrophoenician
woman express to Jesus her sincere
desire? Mark 7:24-30.
12.
How did Elijah press his peti-
tion
for the
breaking of the long
drought? 1 Kings 18:41-45.
NOTE.
-"It
was because Elijah was a
man of large faith that God could use him
in this grave crisis in the history of Israel.
As he prayed, his faith reached out and
grasped the promises of Heaven, and he
persevered in prayer until his petitions were
answered. He did not wait for the full
evidence that God had heard him, but was
willing to venture all on the slightest token
of divine favor. And yet what he was en-
abled to do under God, all may do in their
sphere of activity in God's service. . . .
"Faith such as this is needed in the world
today—faith that will lay hold on the
promises of God's word and refuse to let
go until Heaven
hears."—Prophets and
Kings,
pages 156, 157.
[26
]
13. What lesson did James draw
from the prayers of Elijah? James
5:16-18.
NOTE.
-"Let your heart break for the
longing it has for God, for the living God.
The life of Christ has shown what human-
ity can do by being partaker of the divine
nature. All that Christ received from God
we too may have. Then ask and receive.
With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the
unyielding persistence of Elijah, claim for
yourself all that God has promised."-
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 149.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Could it be possible that we make the
phrase "Thy will be done" an excuse or
alibi for our lack of zeal, conviction, and
earnestness in prayer?
2.
Could it be that our seeming quick
submission is only spiritual laziness and
absence of real heart purpose? Remember,
it is God's will to answer prayers when
they are in harmony with His promises.
Lesson 8, for November 24, 1962
Conditions to Answered Prayer-I
MEMORY VERSE:
"Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while
He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his
thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him;
and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:6, 7.
STUDY HELPS:
"Early Writings," pages 72, 73; "Thoughts From the Mount of Bless-
ing," pages 113-116 (1943 ed., pp. 166-169); "Christ's Object Lessons," pages
146-149; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General Survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-9.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 10-12.
❑
Wednesday: Begin reading Study
Check Here
Helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Earnestness and Perseverance
1.
Encouragement to seek God. Isa.
55:6, 7.
2.
Earnest longing for God. Ps. 42:
1, 2.
3.
Perseverance rewarded. Luke
11:5-8.
4.
God's unchangeableness our con-
fidence. Mal. 3 :6 ; Heb. 13:8.
II.
A Forgiving Spirit
5. The condition for forgiveness.
Matt. 6:14, 15 ; Mark 11:25.
6.
The condition accepted in the
Lord's Prayer. Matt. 6:12.
7.
Forgiveness cultivated. Eph. 4:31,
32.
8.
The measure of God's forgiveness.
Jer. 31:34 ; Ps. 103:12; Micah 7:
18, 19.
9.
Consideration in home relationships.
1 Peter 3:7.
III. Cooperation With God
10.
The Law will be kept. Prov. 28:9.
11.
Sin will be renounced. Ps. 66:18;
Isa. 59:2.
12.
Selfishness will be laid aside. James
4:3.
1271
THE LESSON
Introduction
"There is necessity for diligence in prayer;
let nothing hinder you. Make every effort
to keep open the communion between Jesus
and your own soul. Seek every opportunity
to go where prayer is wont to be made.
Those who are really seeking for com-
munion with God will be seen in the prayer
meeting, faithful to do their duty and earnest
and anxious to reap all the benefits they can
gain. They will improve every opportunity
of placing themselves where they can receive
the rays of light from heaven."—Steps
to
Christ,
page 98.
Earnestness and Perseverance
1.
While God may be found, what
are men encouraged to do? Isa. 55:
6, 7.
NOTE.—"Seek, . . . call upon.
The
prophet stresses God's activity, sometimes
wholly apart from and even despite man's
effort; but he knows that man must stir
up himself to take hold of God ( ['sal
64:7). Man's part in prayer is subordinate
but indispensable: 'Ask, ... seek, .. . knock'
(Luke
11:9)."—The Interpreter's Bible, vol.
5,
p. 647.
2.
How earnestly did the psalmist
long for God? Ps. 42: 1, 2.
NOTE.—"Perseverance in prayer has been
made a condition of receiving. We must
pray always. . . . Unceasing prayer is the
unbroken union of the soul with God, so
that life from God flows into our life; and
from our life, purity and holiness flow back
to
God."—Steps to Christ,
pages 97, 98.
3.
By meeting what condition did
the petitioner in Jesus' parable receive
his request? Luke 11:5-8.
Nom—Bishop Hall emphasized the need
of earnestness in prayer when he wrote,
"An arrow, if it be drawn up but a little
way, goes not far; but, if it be pulled up
to the head, flies swiftly and pierces deep.
Thus prayer, if it be only dribbled forth
from careless lips, falls at our feet. It is
the strength of strong desire which sends
it to heaven, and makes it pierce the clouds.
It is not the arithmetic of our prayers, how
many they are; nor the rhetoric of our
prayers, how eloquent they be; nor the
geometry of our prayers, how long they be;
nor the music of our prayers, how sweet
our voice may be; nor the logic of our
prayers, how argumentative they may be;
nor the method of our prayers, how orderly
they may be; nor even the divinity of our
prayers, how good the doctrine may be,
which God cares for. Fervency of spirit is
that which availeth much."
4.
Which of God's attributes
should make us confident of a sym-
pathetic hearing when we pray? Mal.
3:6; Heb. 13:8.
NOTE.—"Prayer is the opening of the
heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is
necessary in order to make known to God
what we are, but in order to enable us to
receive Him. Prayer does not bring God
down to us, but brings us up to Him."—
Steps to Christ,
page 93.
"He who blessed the nobleman at Caper-
naum is just as desirous of blessing us.
But like the afflicted father, we are often
led to seek Jesus by the desire for some
earthly good; and upon the granting of
our request we rest our confidence in His
love. The Saviour longs to give us a greater
blessing than we ask; and He delays the
answer to our request that He may show
us the evil of our own hearts, and our deep
need of His grace. He desires us to renounce
the selfishness that leads us to seek Him.
Confessing our helplessness and bitter need,
we are to trust ourselves wholly to His
love."—The Desire of Ages,
page 200.
A Forgiving Spirit
5.
On what condition will prayers
for forgiveness of sins be answered?
Matt. 6:14, 15; Mark 11:25.
[28
1
NOTE.—"He who is unforgiving cuts off
the very channel through which alone he
can receive mercy from God. We should
not think that unless those who have in-
jured us confess the wrong we are justified
in withholding from them our forgiveness.
It is their part, no doubt, to humble their
hearts by repentance and confession; but
we are to have a spirit of compassion toward
those who have trespassed against us,
whether or not they confess their faults.
However sorely they may have wounded
us, we are not to cherish our grievances
and sympathize with ourselves over our
injuries; but as we hope to be pardoned
for our offenses against God we are to
pardon all who have done evil to us."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pages 113, 114.
6.
What clause in the Lord's Prayer
emphasizes the importance of a for-
giving spirit? Matt. 6:12. Compare
Matt. 5:23, 24.
NoTE.—"When we come to ask mercy and
blessing from God we should have a spirit
of love and forgiveness in our own hearts.
How can we pray, 'Forgive us our debts,
as
we forgive our debtors,' and yet indulge an
unforgiving spirit? Matthew 6:12. If we
expect our own prayers to be heard we
must forgive others in the same manner and
to the same extent as we hope to be for-
given."—Steps to Christ,
page 97.
7.
How may a forgiving spirit be
cultivated? Eph. 4:31, 32.
8.
What is the measure of God's
forgiveness? Jer. 31:34; Ps. 103:12;
Micah 7:18, 19.
NOTE.—"Through the merits of the grace
of Christ his sins may be perfectly forgiven.
If he endures till the end, his sins will never
be mentioned against him again. Should he
apostatize and be lost, all his sins will face
him on the judgment
day."—S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
on Micah 7:19.
9.
What situations in home rela-
tionships may hinder the answering
of our prayers? 1 Peter 3:7.
NOTE.—"These husbands have been treat-
ing their Christian wives as they should.
Peter takes it for granted that they will
continue to do so and thus names the con-
templated result: 'so that your prayers may
not be hindered.' How could they engage in
prayers or expect God to hear them if they
persist in, or fall back into, the old pagan
ignorance in the treatment of their wives?"
"The thought includes all manner of
hindering. A husband who treats his wife
in the wrong way will himself be unfit to
pray, will scarcely pray at all. There will
be no family altar, no life of prayer. His
worship in the congregation will be equally
affected."—Lenski,
Interpretation of the
Epistles of St. Peter, St. John and St. Jude,
page 141.
"If we would study the Bible
diligently and prayerfully
every day, we should every
day see some beautiful truth
in a new, clear, and forcible
light."—Counsels on Sabbath
School Work,
page 23.
Cooperation With God
10.
What disastrous results follow
the failure to walk in the way of
God's commandments? Prov. 28:9.
NoTE.—"Sin puts a barrier between God
and the sinner (Isa. 59:1, 2). Those who
go contrary to their conscience and those
who claim that the keeping of the so-
called spirit of the law makes them superior
to those who, by the indwelling power of
the Holy Spirit, keep both the letter and
the spirit of the law, do well to ponder
this verse. While God passes over the
[ 29 ]
lack of conformity to law in those who
have had no opportunity to discover the
claims of God upon them (Acts 17:30;
Rom. 5:13), He cannot accept the service
of those who have deliberately turned
away from His law. To do so would sanc-
tion willful rebellion."—S.D.A.
Bible Com-
mentary,
on Prov. 28:9.
11. What effect does indulgence in
sin have on prayer? Ps. 66:18; Isa.
59:2.
NOTE.—"If we regard iniquity in our
hearts, if we cling to any known sin, the
Lord will not hear us; but the prayer of
the penitent, contrite soul is always ac-
cepted. When all known wrongs are
righted, we may believe that God will an-
swer our petitions."—Steps
to Christ,
page
95.
12. What is God's response to self-
ish prayers? James 4:3.
NOTE.—"Answers to prayer depend upon
both the nature of the requests and the
spirit of the prayer. . . . He who prays
without the determination to align him-
self with the will of God is praying 'amiss.' "
—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on James 4:3.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Dependent as I am each moment upon
God for life, food, shelter, clothing, and
other gifts of His love, how many minutes
a day do I spend in thanksgiving prayer
to the Giver of all things?
2.
When I examine myself in trying to
learn the reasons for unanswered prayer,
where do I find the real trouble lies?
Lesson 9, for December 1, 1962
Conditions to Answered Prayer—II
MEMORY VERSE: "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth
is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that
man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord." James 1:6, 7.
STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 143-145
;
"Testimonies," vol. 8,
pp. 177-179; "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 430-432; "S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General
survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-6.
❑
Monday: Questions 7-9.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 10-12.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Begin reading Study
Helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading
Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Faith
1.
Doubt a hindrance. James 1:6, 7.
2.
Faith essential. Heb. 11:6.
[ 30 I
3.
Makes all things possible. Matt.
21:22; Mark 9:23.
4.
An example of faith. 2 Kings 19:
14-19, 32-35; 2 Chron. 32:21.
5.
Unbelief categorized. Rev. 21:8.
6.
Faith's potential. Mark 11:22-24.
H. Obedience to and Union With
Christ
7.
Obedience essential. 1 John 3:22.
8.
Obedience illustrated. Luke 6:46-
49.
9.
Union with Christ essential. John
15:7.
Ill. Submission to the Divine Will
10.
Prayer according to the divine will.
1 John 5:14, 15.
11.
Jesus' submission. Luke 22:42.
12.
The Spirit's aid. Rom. 8:26, 27.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Our prayers are not to be a selfish ask-
ing, merely for our own benefit. We are
to ask that we may give. The principle of
Christ's life must be the principle of our
lives. Tor their sakes,' He said, speaking
of His disciples,
sanctify Myself, that
they also might be sanctified.' John 17:19.
The same devotion, the same self-sacrifice,
the same subjection to the claims of the
word of God, that were manifest in Christ,
must be seen in His servants. Our mis-
sion to the world is not to serve or please
ourselves; we are to glorify God by co-
operating with Him to save sinners. We are
to ask blessings from God that we may
communicate to others. The capacity for
receiving is preserved only by imparting.
We cannot continue to receive heavenly
treasure without communicating to those
around
us."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages
142, 143.
Faith
1.
What attitudes of mind stand in
the way of answers to prayer? James
1:6, 7.
NOTE.—"There is no danger that the
Lord will neglect the prayers of His peo-
ple. The danger is that in temptation and
trial they will become discouraged and fail
to persevere in
prayer."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
page
175.
2.
How essential is faith declared
to be? Heb. 11:6.
NOTE.—This verse is from a chapter that
tells what believing prayer has accom-
plished. Prayer opened a highway through
the Red Sea, divided the river Jordan, sent
a stream of water from flinty rock, knocked
down the mighty walls of Jericho, stopped
the sun in its course, muzzled the lions of
Babylon, made ineffective the sting of the
deadly adder at Malta, shut up the heav-
ens that it should not rain for forty-two
months, healed the sick, raised the dead,
opened prisons, solved problems, and made
the weak strong. "More things are wrought
by prayer than this world dreams of."
3.
How much is possible to the
one who believes? Matt. 21:22; Mark
9:23.
NOTE.—"Not one sincere prayer is lost.
Amid the anthems of the celestial choir,
God hears the cries of the weakest human
being. We pour out our heart's desire in
our closets, we breathe a prayer as we walk
by the way, and our words reach the
throne of the Monarch of the universe.
They may be inaudible to any human ear,
but they cannot die away into silence, nor
can they be lost through the activities of
business that are going on. Nothing can
drown the soul's desire. It rises above the
din of the street, above the confusion of
the multitude, to the heavenly courts. It is
God to whom we are speaking, and our
prayer is
heard."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 174.
4.
How did Hezekiah show his
faith in the God of heaven, and what
were the results? 2 Kings 19:14-19,
32-35; 2 Chron. 32:21.
5.
With what awful category of
sins is unbelief classed? Rev. 21:8.
[31]
NOTE.—"But as for the cowards and the
ignoble and the contemptible and the
cravenly lacking in courage and the cow-
ardly submissive; and as for the unbeliev-
ing and faithless; and as for the depraved
and defiled with abominations; and as for
murderers and the lewd and adulterous and
the practicers of magic arts and the idola-
ters [those who give supreme devotion to
anyone or anything other than God] and
all liars [those who knowingly convey un-
truth by word or deed, all of these shall
have] their part in the lake that blazes
with fire and brimstone. This is the second
death. [Isa. 30:33.]" Rev. 21:8,
The Am-
plified New Testament.
(Used by permission
of the Lockman Foundation, La Habra,
Calif.)
6.
How did Jesus emphasize the
importance of faith in connection
with prayer? Mark 11:22-24.
NOTE.—"Faith is the gift of God, but
the power to exercise it is ours. Faith is
the hand by which the soul takes hold
upon the divine offers of grace and mercy.
. . . When we trust God fully, when we
rely upon the merits of Jesus as a sin-
pardoning Saviour, we shall receive all the
help that we can
desire."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 431.
Obedience to and Union With
Christ
7.
How does the apostle John as-
sociate prayer with obedience? 1 John
3:22.
NOTE.—"He who prays needs a clear con-
science, with consequent freedom in ap-
proaching God, before making his requests.
John then declares that the believer ful-
fills two other conditions: (1) keeps God's
commandments; (2) does those things
that please God. When the Christian has
complied with these requirements, he may
claim the fulfillment of the apostle's as-
surance in this verse."—S.D.A.
Bible Com-
mentary,
on 1 John 3:22.
[32
"If you fail ninety-nine times
in a hundred, but succeed in
saving the one soul from
ruin, you have done a noble
deed for the Master's cause."
—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p.-132.
8.
How did Jesus set forth the im-
portance of obedience to His word?
Luke 6:46-49.
NOTE.—"There are only two classes in
the world today, and only two classes will
be recognized in the judgment—those who
violate God's law and those who obey it.
Christ gives the test by which to prove our
loyalty or disloyalty. 'If ye love Me,' He
says, 'keep My commandments. . . . He
that bath My commandments, and keepeth
them, he it is that loveth Me. And he that
loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and
I will love him, and will manifest Myself to
him.... He that loveth Me not keepeth not
My sayings; and the word which ye hear is
not Mine, but the Father's which sent Me.'
`If ye keep My commandments, ye shall
abide in My love; even as I have kept My
Father's commandments, and abide in His
love.' John 14:15-24;
15:10."—Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons,
page 283.
9.
What spiritual condition is es-
sential to prevailing prayer? John
15:7.
NorE.—"All true obedience comes from
the heart. It was heart work with Christ.
And if we consent, He will so identify
Himself with our thoughts and aims, so
blend our hearts and minds into conform-
ity to His will, that when obeying Him
we shall be but carrying out our own im-
pulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will
find its highest delight in doing His service.
When we know God as it is our privilege
to know Him, our life will be a life of con-
tinual obedience. Through an appreciation
of the character of Christ, through com-
munion with God, sin will become hateful
to
us."—The Desire of Ages,
page 668.
Submission to the Divine Will
10.
With what confidence may the
Christian offer up his petition to God?
1 John 5:14, 15.
NOTE.—"When we do not receive the
very things we asked for, at the time we
ask, we are still to believe that the Lord
hears and that He will answer our prayers.
We are so erring and shortsighted that
we sometimes ask for things that would
not be a blessing to us, and our heavenly
Father in love answers our prayers by
giving us that which will be for our highest
good—that which we ourselves would de-
sire if with vision divinely enlightened we
could see all things as they really are. When
our prayers seem not to be answered, we
are to cling to the promise; for the time of
answering will surely come, and we shall
receive the blessing we need most. But to
claim that prayer will always be an-
swered in the very way and for the partic-
ular thing that we desire, is presumption.
God is too wise to err, and too good to
withhold any good thing from them that
walk uprightly."—Steps
to Christ,
page 96.
11.
What example of submission to
the divine will did Jesus set for us?
Luke 22:42. Compare John 5:30.
NOTE.—"He is acquainted with the hearts
of all men. He reads every secret of the
soul. He knows whether those for whom
prayer is offered would or would not be able
to endure the trials that would come upon
them should they live. He knows whether
their lives would be a blessing or a curse
to themselves and to the world. This is
one reason why, while presenting our pe-
titions with earnestness, we should say,
`Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be
done.' Luke 22:42. Jesus added these
words of submission to the wisdom and
will of God when in the Garden of Geth-
semane He pleaded, '0 My Father, if it be
possible, let this cup pass from Me.' Mat-
thew 26:39. And if they were appropriate
for Him, the Son of God, how much more
are they becoming on the lips of finite,
erring mortals!"—The
Ministry of Heal-
ing,
page 230.
12.
What aid is promised in mak-
ing our prayers conform to the will
of God? Rom. 8:26, 27.
NoTE.—"In order to serve Him aright,
we must be born of the divine Spirit. This
will purify the heart and renew the mind,
giving us a new capacity for knowing and
loving God. It will give us a willing obedi-
ence to all His requirements. This is true
worship. It is the fruit of the working of
the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit every sincere
prayer is indited, and such prayer is ac-
ceptable to
God."—The Desire of Ages,
page 189.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Do I exercise sufficient faith when I
pray?
2.
Are my prayers for His glory or for
selfish reasons?
3.
Have I had definite answers to my
prayers during the past month?
4.
Am I as ready to submit to God's an-
swers to my prayers as was my Example,
Jesus?
The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in
the following foreign languages: Czech, German, Hungarian,
Italian, Polish, Russian, Slovakian, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian,
and Yugoslay. Write to the Pacific Press Publishing Association,
Mountain View, California, for any of these quarterlies for the
strangers within your gates.
[ 33 ]
Lesson 10, for December 8, 1962
Meeting Life's Disappointments
MEMORY VERSE:
"And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Rom.
8:28.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Ministry of Healing," pages 228-231; "Prophets and Kings,"
pages 344-348; "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 469-480; "Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing," pages 29-35 (1943 ed., pp. 49-58); "The Desire of
Ages," pages 223-225; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-7.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-11.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12-14; begin
Check Here
reading Study Helps.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Divine Discipline
1.
Yields righteousness. Heb. 12:11.
2.
Purifies. Job 23:10.
3.
Moses' reaction. Deut. 3:25-27;
31:6-8, 14, 23.
II. Unanswered Prayer
4.
Our inability to know our needs.
Rom. 8:26.
5.
Paul's infirmity. 2 Cor. 12:7.
6.
Paul's prayer for healing. 2 Cor.
12:8.
7.
Paul's reaction to a "no" answer.
2 Cor. 12:9, 10.
III. Hezekiah's Experience
8.
The message of approaching death.
2 Kings 20:1.
9.
The record of his life. 2 Kings
18:3; 20:3.
10.
Extension of life granted. 2 Kings
20:6.
11.
Failure during added years.
2 Chron. 32:25; Isa. 39:5-7.
IV. God Knows What Is Best
12.
Suffering a privilege. Phil. 1:29.
13.
God works things out for our good.
Rom. 8:28.
14.
Praying according to His will.
Matt. 26:39, 42, 44.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Prayer is not so much a matter of per-
suading God to accept our will concerning
a matter as of our discovering His will
with respect to it. He knows our needs
before we ask; more than that, He knows
what is best for us.
In
contrast, we are
often but dimly conscious of our own
need. We frequently think we need things
that we do not need and that may even
be harmful to us; conversely, we may not
even be aware of our greatest needs. . .
Prayer will bring our wills, and thus our
lives, into harmony with the will of God.
. . . It is the divinely appointed means of
educating our desires. It is not the true
purpose of prayer to
work
a change in
God, but to work a change in us so that we
desire 'both to will and
to do
of His good
pleasure' (Phil. 2:13).
"To the sincere suppliant God will send
34
an answer to every petition uttered in
humility and faith. He may say 'Yes,' He
may say 'No,' or He may say simply 'Wait,'
Sometimes answer to prayer may be de-
layed because a change must come about
in our own hearts before God can answer it.
. . . There are definite conditions to an-
swered prayer, and if there seems to be de-
lay, we should inquire whether the dif-
ficulty may be with us. It is an insult to
God to be impatient with Him when we
have not complied with the conditions un-
der which it is possible for Him to an-
swer prayer."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Luke 11:9.
"The creative energy that
called the worlds into exis-
tence is in the word of God.
This word imparts power; it
begets
life."—Education,
page 126.
Divine Discipline
1.
What will be the fruitage of
discipline that is accepted in the right
spirit? Heb. 12:11.
2.
Though Job doubtless prayed
many times for relief from his heavy
trials, what value did he see in them?
Job 23:10.
3.
What was Moses' reaction to the
disappointment of his long-cherished
hope of leading Israel into the Prom-
ised Land? Deut. 3:25-27; 31:6-8,
14, 23.
Nom—Moses had been told he must
die. How he wanted to live and lead Israel
into the Land of Promise! He had previ-
ously by his intercessory prayer saved
Israel from complete destruction at the base
of Mount Sinai. Now he asked God to
mercifully permit him to go into the goodly
land before death. The Lord said, "No,"
"you must die," and "speak no more about
the matter," and Moses goes about pre-
paring and encouraging his successor. He
entreats the people to faithfulness and trust
in God. Not a murmur of complaint
escapes his lips. Though he cannot under-
stand why, still he can trust that his God
doeth all things well. And what glorious,
unspeakable advantages he personally re-
ceived, and what an example and inspira-
tion to all generations! He did not have
his way, but God's way held much more
of blessing.
Read
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages
469-480.
Unanswered Prayer
4.
Because of his finite understand-
ing, what is man often incapable of
knowing? Rom. 8:26.
NOTE.—" 'We know not what we should
pray for as we ought.' Romans 8:26. We
do not know whether the blessing we de-
sire will be best or not. Therefore our
prayers should include this thought: 'Lord,
Thou knowest every secret of the soul.
Thou art acquainted with these persons.
Jesus, their Advocate, gave His life for
them. His love for them is greater than
ours can possibly be. If, therefore, it is
for Thy glory and the good of the afflicted
ones, we ask, in the name of Jesus, that
they may be restored to health. If it be not
Thy will that they may be restored, we
ask that Thy grace may comfort and Thy
presence sustain them in their sufferings.'
"God knows the end from the beginning.
He is acquainted with the hearts of all
men. He reads every secret of the soul.
He knows whether those for whom prayer
is offered would or would not be able to
endure the trials that would come upon
them should they live. He knows whether
their lives would be a blessing or a curse to
themselves and to the world. This is one
reason why, while presenting our petitions
with earnestness, we should say, 'Never-
theless not my will, but Thine, be done.'
Luke 22:42. . . . To press our petitions
without a submissive spirit is not right;
our prayers must take the form, not of
command, but of intercession."—The
Min-
istry of Healing,
pages 229, 230.
[
35 1
5.
What trial was Paul called upon
to endure, and why? 2 Cor. 12:7.
6.
How many times did Paul make
the problem a subject of special
prayer? 2 Cor. 12:8.
7.
When he knew the will of God
in the matter, what was his reaction?
2 Cor. 12: 9, 10.
NorE.—"While the Lord has not prom-
ised His people exemption from trials, He
has promised that which is far better. He
has said, 'As thy days, so shall thy strength
be.' . . If you are called to go through
the fiery furnace for His sake, Jesus will
be by your side even as He was with the
faithful three in Babylon. Those who love
their Redeemer will rejoice at every op-
portunity of sharing with Him humiliation
and reproach. The love they bear their
Lord makes suffering for His sake sweet."
—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
page 30.
For some of us it may take some handi-
cap, some thorn in the flesh, or some in-
firmity to keep us humble, to teach us
dependence on God, to develop and main-
tain the sweet graces of the Spirit. If so,
the child of God will glory in adversity, if
only he can become like his Lord and be
ready for the glories beyond his prepara-
tory school of life.
Hezekiah's Experience
8.
What message was given to
Hezekiah when he was seriously ill?
2 Kings 20:1.
9.
What was the record of Heze-
kiah's life? 2 Kings 18:3; 20:3.
NOTE.—"Since the days of David there
had reigned no king who had wrought so
mightily for the upbuilding of the kingdom
of God in a time of apostasy and dis-
couragement as had Hezekiah. The dying
ruler had served his God faithfully, and
had strengthened the confidence of the peo-
ple in Jehovah as their Supreme Ruler."—
Prophets and Kings,
pages 340, 341.
10.
What was God's response to
Hezekiah's prayer and tears? 2 Kings
20:6.
11.
What tragic blunders during
those added years marred Hezekiah's
once marvelous record? 2 Chron.
32:25; Isa. 39:5-7.
NoTE.—During the fifteen added years
his son Manasseh was born. Though Heze-
kiah had proved a good and wise king, as
a father he seems to have been a complete
failure. His boy who took the throne de-
bauched and ruined the nation. "And I
will cause them to be removed into all
kingdoms of the earth, because of Manas-
seh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah,
for that which he did in Jerusalem." Jer.
15:4. What colossal tragedies can follow in
the wake of praying contrary to the will of
God! How much of heartache Hezekiah
would have saved himself and his people
had he but bowed to the will of God! This
experience was written for our admonition.
God Knows What Is Best
12.
What is our privilege as Chris-
tians? Phil. 1:29.
NOTE.—"God never leads His children
otherwise than they would choose to be
led, if they could see the end from the be-
ginning, and discern the glory of the pur-
pose which they are fulfilling as co-workers
with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated
to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a
chariot of fire, was greater or more honored
than John the Baptist, who perished alone
in the dungeon. 'Unto you it is given in
the behalf of Christ, not only to believe
on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.'
Phil. 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven
[ 36 ]
can bestow upon men, fellowship with
Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty
trust and the highest honor."—The
Desire
of Ages,
pages 224, 225.
13. What will God do for those
who love Him? Rom. 8:28. See R.S.V.
NOTE.—"Nothing can touch the Chris-
tian except by our Lord's permission, . . .
and all things that are permitted work to-
gether for good to those who love God. If
God permits suffering and perplexity to
come upon us, it is not to destroy us but
to refine and sanctify us. . . . The troubles
and disappointments of this life take our
affections from the world and lead us to
look to heaven for our home."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Rom. 8:28.
If we love God, then all things—good
things, bad things, yes, all things--will work
together for our good.
14. How did Jesus express in His
prayers in Gethsemane His submission
to the Father? Matt. 26:39, 42, 44.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Am I willing to bear the thorn in the
flesh if thereby my Lord is glorified and
the cause of God advanced?
2.
Why did Paul pray, "That I may
know Him and the power of His resur-
rection and the fellowship of His suffer-
ing
„
?
Lesson 11, for December 15, 1962
Notable Prayers of the Bible
MEMORY VERSE:
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written
for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might
have hope." Rom. 15:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 150-163; "Education," pages 159-
168; "Testimonies," vol. 8, pp. 239-243; "The Desire of Ages," pages 749-751;
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin read-
ing Study Helps.
❑
Monday: Questions
3, 4; read fur-
ther from Study Helps.
❑
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 5-9.
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Prayers of Confession
1.
David's. Psalm 51.
2.
Daniel's. Dan. 9:3-19.
II. Prayers for Salvation
3.
The publican's. Luke 18:13.
4.
The thief's, from the cross. Luke
23:42,43.
III. Prayers for Deliverance
5. Jehoshaphat's. 2 Chron. 20:5-12,
20-23.
[ 37 ]
6.
Jonah's. Jonah 2:1, 10.
7.
Ezra's. Ezra 9:5-15.
8.
Esther's. Esther 4:14-17.
9.
The church's, for Peter. Acts
12:5-12.
IV. Varied Prayer Requests Answered
10.
Moses' prayer for Miriam's healing.
Num. 12:13-15.
11.
Hannah's prayer for a son. 1 Sam.
1:9-13, 18-20, 27.
12.
Solomon's prayer for wisdom.
1 Kings 3:5-15.
13.
Elijah's prayer for the life of the
widow's son. 1 Kings 17:17-22.
THE LESSON
Introduction
In this lessen we note what God gra-
ciously did for and through others. These
experiences should challenge us, for God is
no respector of persons. The servant of
the Lord stirs us with these words:
"Many can tell what the great and good
men of generations past have done, and
dared, and suffered, and enjoyed. They
become eloquent in setting forth the power
of the gospel, which has enabled others to
rejoice in trying conflicts, and to stand firm
against fierce temptations. But while so
earnest in bringing forward other Chris-
tians as witnesses for Jesus, they seem to
have no fresh, timely experience of their
own to relate. . . .
"We need constantly a fresh revelation
of Christ, a daily experience that harmo-
nizes with His teachings. High and holy
attainments are within our reach. Con-
tinual progress in knowledge and virtue is
God's purpose for us. His law is the echo
of His own voice, giving to all the invi-
tation, 'Come up higher; be holy, holier
still.' Every day we may advance in per-
fection of Christian character."—Gospel
Workers,
pages 273, 274.
Prayers of Confession
1. In his deep repentance, for what
did David pray? Psalm 51.
NOTE.—"No
man can empty himself of
self. We can only consent for Christ to ac-
complish the work. Then the language of
the soul will be, Save me in spite of my-
self, my weak, un-Christlike self. Lord,
take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is
Thy property. Keep it pure, for I can-
not keep it for Thee. Mold me, fashion me,
raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere,
where the rich current of Thy love can
flow through my soul.
"It is not only at the beginning of the
Christian life that this renunciation of self
is to be made. At every advance step
heavenward it is to be
renewed."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 159.
2.
What was the great burden of
Daniel's prayer? Dan. 9:13-19.
Prayers for Salvation
3.
What is one of
the
shortest
prayers, yet most certain to receive an
answer? Luke 18:13.
NoTE.—"Whom Christ pardons, He first
makes penitent."—Thoughts
From the
Mount of Blessing,
page 7.
"If you see your sinfulness, do not wait
to make yourself better. How many there
are who think they are not good enough
to come to Christ. Do you expect to be-
come better through your own efforts? 'Can
the Ethiopian change his skin or the leop-
ard his spots? then may ye also do good,
that are accustomed to do evil.' Jeremiah
13:23. There is help for us only in God.
We must not wait for stronger persuasions,
for better opportunities, or for holier tem-
pers. We can do nothing of ourselves. We
must come to Christ just as we are."—
Steps to Christ,
page 31.
[ 38
"The sense of need, the recognition of
our poverty and sin, is the very first con-
dition of acceptance with God. 'Blessed
are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.'
"—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 152.
"There is nothing so offensive to God or
so dangerous to the human soul as pride
and self-sufficiency. Of all sins it is the
most hopeless, the most incurable."—Ibid.,
p. 154.
"If Christians were to act in
concert, moving forward as
one, under the direction of
one Power, for the accom-
plishment of one purpose,
they would move the world."
—T estimonies , vol. 9,
p. 221.
4.
What notable prayer brought
sure salvation to a dying man? Luke
23:42, 43.
NoTE.—What a wonderful example of
faith ! To see in Jesus a Saviour and a
King, when kingship and kingdom seemed
so utterly beyond belief as to be merely
a matter of ridicule and scorn, is to reveal
a faith that is indeed extraordinary.
Prayers for Deliverance
5.
Whose prayers saved a nation
from military disaster? 2 Chron. 20:
5-12, 20-23.
NOTE.—"With confidence Jehoshaphat
could say to the Lord, 'Our eyes are upon
Thee.' For years he had taught the people
to trust in the One who in past ages
had so often interposed to save His chosen
ones from utter destruction; and now,
when the kingdom was in peril, Jehosha-
phat did not stand alone; 'all Judah stood
before the Lord, with their little ones, their
wives, and their children.' . . . Unitedly
they fasted and prayed; unitedly they be-
sought the Lord to put their enemies to
confusion, that the name of Jehovah might
be glorified."—Prophets
and Kings,
page
200.
"It was a singular way of going .to battle
against the enemy's army—praising the
Lord with singing, and exalting the God
of Israel. This was their battle song. They
possessed the beauty of holiness. If more
praising of God were engaged in now, hope
and courage and faith would steadily in-
crease."—Ibid., p. 202.
6.
From what strange place did
Jonah send forth his prayer that
brought deliverance? Jonah 2:1, 10.
NoTE.—Jonah was God's man, but for
a short time he was out of tune with
heaven. There was fear and frustration. He
disobeyed. He tried to get away from God.
He went to sleep in a time of real crisis
for the ship's crew and passengers. Through
the harrowing experience that followed he
finally renewed his consecration and did
valiant service which averted the destruc-
tion of Nineveh. God is eagerly waiting
to hear us pray in sincerity as did Jonah,
"I will pay that that I have vowed."
Jonah 2:9. This poor perishing world
needs an awakened, willing, and conse-
crated people, for: "We are standing on
the threshold of the crisis of the ages. In
quick succession the judgments of God will
follow one another—fire, and flood, and
earthquake, with war and bloodshed. We
are not to be surprised at this time by
events both great and decisive; for the
angel of mercy cannot remain much longer
to shelter the impenitent."—Prophets
and
Kings,
page 278.
7.
How did Ezra manifest his ear-
nestness, and what was the burden of
his prayer? Ezra 9:5-15.
NOTE.—"Ezra views the sin in which he
found his people to have fallen as having
`grown up unto the heavens' (v. 6). Their
sin was tanamount to a complete forsaking
of God's commandments, and in this con-
[397
dition they 'cannot stand' before God (v.
15). Ezra's public confession on behalf of
his people (see Dan. 9:5-16) is based partly
on the nature of the sin itself, and partly
on the fact that they had revealed base
ingratitude in turning from God so soon
after He had forgiven their sins that sent
them into captivity and had showered favor
after favor upon them as they returned to
Palestine. To fall again into the same
transgression was, in Ezra's estimation,
unpardonable, and the punishment must
certainly be nothing less than irretrievable
destruction of the nation."—S.D.A.
Bible
Commentary,
on Ezra 9:14.
8.
What preparation did Esther
make before she undertook to save
the Jewish people from impending de-
struction? Esther 4:14-17.
NOTE.—"The crisis that Esther faced de-
manded quick, earnest action; but both she
and Mordecai realized that unless God
should work mightily in their behalf, their
own efforts would be unavailing. So Esther
took time for communion with God, the
source of her strength. 'Go,' she directed
Mordecai, 'gather together all the Jews
that are present in Shushan, and fast ye
for me, and neither eat nor drink three
days, night or day: I also and my maidens
will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto
the king, which is not according to the law:
and if I perish, I
perish.'"—Prophets and
Kings,
page 601.
9.
How was the prayer of the
church for Peter's deliverance an-
swered? Acts 12:5-12.
Varied Prayer Requests Answered
10.
How did God respond to
Moses' prayer for Miriam's healing?
Num. 12:13-15.
11.
What request did Hannah
make, and how was it answered? 1
Sam. 1:9-13, 18-20, 27.
12.
For what did the young man
Solomon pray, and what did God give
him? 1 Kings 3:5-15. Compare James
1:5.
NOTE.—"The language used by Solomon
while praying to God before theancient
altar at Gibeon reveals his humility and
his strong desire to honor God. He realized
that without divine aid he was as helpless as
a little child to fulfill the responsibilities
resting on him. He knew that he lacked
discernment, and it was a sense of his
great need that led him to seek God for
wisdom. In his heart there was no selfish
aspiration for a knowledge that would
exalt him above others. He desired to dis-
charge faithfully the duties devolving upon
him, and he chose the gift that would be
the means of causing his reign to bring
glory to God. Solomon was never so rich
or so wise or so truly great as when he con-
fessed, 'I am but a little child: I know not
how to go out or come in.'
"—Prophets
and Kings,
page 30.
13.
On one occasion, for what did
Elijah pray, and with what result?
1 Kings 17:17-22.
NoTE.—"Wonderful was the hospitality
shown to God's prophet by this Phoenician
woman, and wonderfully were her faith
and generosity rewarded. 'She, and he, and
her house, did eat many days. . . .
"The widow of Zarephath shared her
morsel with Elijah, and in return her life
and that of her son were preserved. And
to all who, in time of trial and want, give
sympathy and assistance to others more
needy, God has promised great blessing. He
has not changed. His power is no less now
than in the days of
Elijah."—Prophets and
Kings,
pages 131, 132.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Have you found it easier to give up
without the answer to prayer, than to yield
yourself to the Spirit until you have learned
to pray the prayer of faith?
2.
Is my Christian experience one of
mere profession, or a certain possession
of the indwelling Saviour?
[ 40
Lesson 12, for December 22, 1962
The Divine Exemplar in Prayer
MEMORY VERSE: "And
it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a
mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." Luke
6:12.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 111-113, 291, 292, 419-425; "S.D.A.
Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
❑
Monday: Questions 6-9.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 10-12.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Begin reading Study
Helps.
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Prayer at Great Epochs in Jesus' Life
1.
Baptism. Luke 3:21.
2.
Ordination of the Twelve. Luke
6:12.
3.
People's attempt to make Jesus
king. Matt. 14:23; John 6:15.
4.
Transfiguration. Luke 9:28, 29.
5.
Gethsemane. Matt. 26:39-45.
II. Public and Private Prayer
6. Intense earnestness. Heb. 5:7.
7.
Prayers in solitude. Mark 1:35;
Luke 5:16; 9:18.
8.
Christ's influence. Luke 11:1.
9.
Recorded prayers. Matt. 11:25;
John 11:41, 42; 12:27, 28; Matt.
27:46; Luke 23:46.
III. Jesus' Intercessory Prayer
10.
Prayer for His disciples. John
17:9, 11, 15, 17.
11.
Believers today included. John
17:20.
12.
Focuses on ultimate reunion. John
17:24.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"When Jesus was upon the earth, He
taught His disciples how to pray. He di-
rected them to present their daily needs
before God, and to cast all their care upon
Him. And the assurance He gave them
that their petitions should be heard, is as-
surance also to us.
"Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among
men, was often in prayer. Our Saviour
identified Himself with our needs and
weakness, in that He became a suppliant,
a petitioner, seeking from His Father fresh
supplies of strength, that He might come
forth braced for duty and
trial."-Steps
to Christ,
page 93.
Prayer at Great Epochs in
Jesus' Life
1. In connection with His baptism,
marking the beginning of His public
ministry, what did Jesus do? Luke
3:21.
Nora.-"Upon coming up out of the wa-
ter, Jesus bowed in prayer on the river-
bank. A new and important era was open-
ing before Him. He was now, upon a
wider stage, entering on the conflict of His
life. . . .
[ 41 ]
"The Saviour's glance seems to penetrate
heaven as He pours out His soul in prayer.
Well He knows how sin has hardened the
hearts of men, and how difficult it will be
for them to discern His mission, and accept
the gift of salvation. He pleads with the
Father for power to overcome their un-
belief, to break the fetters with which
Satan has enthralled them, and in their
behalf to conquer the destroyer. He asks
for the witness that God accepts humanity
in the person of His Son."—The
Desire
of Ages,
pages 111, 112.
2.
How did Jesus spend the night
preceding His ordination of the
twelve disciples? Luke 6:12.
NOTE.—"The Saviour knew the character
of the men whom He had chosen; all their
weaknesses and errors were open before
Him; He knew the perils through which
they must pass, the responsibility that
would rest upon them ; and His heart
yearned over these chosen ones. Alone
upon a mountain near the Sea of Galilee
He spent the entire night in prayer for
them, while they were sleeping at the foot
of the mountain. With the first light of
dawn He summoned them to meet Him ;
for He had something of importance to
communicate to them."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 291, 292.
3.
When, following the feeding of
the 5,000, the people were about to
make Jesus king, what did He do?
Matt. 14:23; John 6:15.
NoTE.—"When left alone, Jesus 'went
up into a mountain apart to pray.' For
hours He continued pleading with God. Not
for Himself but for men were those prayers.
He prayed for power to reveal to men
the divine character of His mission, that
Satan might not blind their understanding
and pervert their judgment."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 379.
4.
When Jesus went into the moun-
tain with His disciples to pray, what
remarkable occurrence took place?
Luke 9:28, 29.
NOTE.—"Stepping a little aside from
them, the Man of Sorrows pours out His
supplications with strong crying and tears.
He prays for strength to endure the test
in behalf of humanity. He must Himself
gain a fresh hold on Omnipotence, for only
thus can He contemplate the future. And
He pours out His heart longings for His
disciples, that in the hour of the power of
darkness their
-
faith may not fail.. .
"Suddenly the heavens open, the golden
gates of the City of God are thrown wide,
and holy radiance descends upon the
mount, enshrouding the Saviour's form.
Divinity from within flashes through hu-
manity, and meets the glory coming from
above. Arising from His prostrate posi-
tion, Christ stands in godlike majesty."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 419-421.
"The springs of heavenly
peace and joy unsealed in the
soul by the words of Inspira-
tion will become a mighty
river of influence to bless all
who come within its reach."
—Education,
page 192.
5.
Facing His greatest crisis, what
did Jesus do? Matt. 26:39-45.
NOTE.—"Behold Him contemplating the
price to be paid for the human soul. In
His agony He clings to the cold ground,
as if to prevent Himself from being drawn
farther from God. The chilling dew of
night falls upon His prostrate form, but
He heeds it not. From His pale lips comes
the bitter cry, '0 My Father, if it be
possible, let this cup pass from Me.' Yet
even now He adds, 'Nevertheless not as I
will, but as Thou
wilt.'"—The Desire of
Ages,
page 687.
Public and Private Prayer
6.
How did the author of Hebrews
describe Jesus' prayers to His Father?
Heb. 5:7.
[ 42 I
7.
What environment did Jesus
often choose in which to commune
with His Father? Mark 1:35; Luke
5:1
.
6; 9:18.
NOTE.—"In a life wholly devoted to the
good of others, the Saviour found it nec-
essary to withdraw from the thorough-
fares of travel and from the throng that
followed Him day after day. He must turn
aside from a life of ceaseless activity and
contact with human needs, to seek retire-
ment and unbroken communion with His
Father. As one with us, a sharer in our
needs and weaknesses, He was wholly de-
pendent upon God, and in the secret place
of prayer He sought divine strength, that
He might go forth braced for duty and
trial. In a world of sin Jesus endured
struggles and torture of soul. In com-
munion with God He could unburden the
sorrows that were crushing Him. Here He
found comfort and
joy."—The Desire of
Ages,
pages 362, 363.
8.
On one occasion what request
did Jesus' praying elicit? Luke 11:1.
NOTE.—"The disciples thought that if
only they could pray as Jesus prayed, their
own effectiveness as disciples would be
greatly increased. In view of the fact that
Jesus had taught them by precept (Matt.
6:7-15) and example (Luke 9:29) how to
pray, it seems likely that upon this oc-
casion the request came from some disciples
who had not been with Jesus upon similar
occasions in the past. The term 'disciples'
need not be confined to the Twelve."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Luke 11:1.
9.
What were the contents of some
of the shorter recorded prayers of Je-
sus? Matt. 11:25; John 11:41, 42; 12:
27, 28; Matt. 27:46; Luke 23:46.
Jesus' Intercessory Prayer
10.
For whom did Jesus pray in His
intercessory prayer? John 17:9, 11,
15, 17.
NOTE.—"Bengel says with regard to ch.
17 that of all chapters in Scripture it is
the easiest in regard to words; the most
profound in-regard to ideas. The prayer
naturally divides itself into three parts:
(1) prayer for Himself (vs. 1-5) ; (2)
prayer for the disciples (vs. 6-19) ; (3)
prayer for all believers (vs. 20-26)."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on John 17:1.
"I pray for them.
The disciples have al-
ready been introduced (vs. 6-8) ; now the
prayer for them begins.
"Not for the world.
That is, at the pres-
ent time. For the moment Jesus is con-
centrating upon His disciples. Jesus is not
representing the world as outside the pale
of His or His Father's solicitude. God
loves the world and freely offers salvation
to all (John 3:16; Rev. 22:17). Later
Jesus includes in His prayer 'them also
which shall believe on Me through their
word' (John
17:20)."—Ibid.,
on John 17:9.
11.
In what way are believers today
included in this prayer? John 17:20.
12.
What earnest desire did Jesus
express? John 17:24.
NOTE.—"Be
with me.
That is, in heaven.
Jesus prays for the culmination of the plan
of redemption in the glorification of the
church of God at the time of the second
coming of Christ. The human family has
long been in a foreign land (Heb. 11:13,
14) away from the Father's house (Rev.
14:2, 3). 'The whole creation groaneth and
travaileth . . . waiting for the adoption, to
wit, the redemption of the body (Rom.
8:22, 23). The redemption comes when
the Lord descends from heaven at the end
of the age and gathers His children from
the four corners of the earth (Matt. 24:31;
1 Thess.
4:16)."—S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary,
on John 17:24.
Questions for Meditation
1.
As I meditate on the prayer life of
Jesus, my Example, do I have cause to
believe that I am following in His foot-
steps relative to my personal prayer life?
2.
What outstanding lesson can I learn
from my Lord's intercessory prayer?
[43
1
Lesson 13, for December 29, 1962
Complete Victory in Christ
MEMORY VERSE:
"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph
in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of His knowledge by us in every
place." 2 Cor. 2:14.
STUDY HELPS:
"Education," pages 13-19; "Testimonies," vol. 5, pp. 212-216; "The
Desire of Ages," pages 309-314; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,"
pages 141-144 (1943 ed., pp. 203-207); "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-6; begin
reading Study Helps.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
0
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I.
The High Standard of Victorious
Christian Living
1.
Like God in holiness. 1 Peter 1:15,
16; Heb. 12:14; James 1:4.
2.
Like Christ in character. 1 John
3:1-3.
3.
Without blemish. Eph. 5:25-27.
II. Victory Impossible to the Natural
Man
4.
Carnal mind cannot keep God's
law. Rom. 8:7.
5.
Sinners do the will of the devil.
1 John 3:8; John 8:44.
6. Flesh works evil. Gal. 5:19-21.
III. Christ Brought Victory
7. He saves from sin. Matt. 1:21;
Luke 19:10; Isa. 53:5, 6.
8. He provides enabling power. Rom.
8:3, 4.
9. He gives victory. 1 Cor. 15:57;
2 Cor. 2:14.
IV. Victory
-
How Achieved
10. Through faith. 1 John 5:4, 5.
11. Through the new birth. 1 John
3:9.
12. Under grace. Rom. 6:14.
13. Through God. Jude 24.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Everything depends on the right action
of the will. The power of choice God has
given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You
cannot change your heart, you cannot of
yourself give to God its affections; but you
can
choose
to serve Him. You can give Him
your will; He will then work in you to
will and to do according to His good plea-
sure. . . . Desires for goodness and holiness
are right as far as they go ; but if you stop
here, they will avail nothing. Many will
be lost while hoping and desiring to be
Christians. They do not come to the point
of yielding the will to God. They do not
now
choose
to be Christians."-Steps
to
Christ,
pages 47, 48.
Maintaining this continuous surrender of
the will to God constitutes the key to a
life of victory. Shall we not learn to use
that key successfully?
[
441
The High Standard of Victorious
Christian Living
1.
What is the standard God has
set for the Christian? 1 Peter 1:15,
16; Heb. 12:14; James 1:4.
NoTE.—"Higher than the highest human
thought can reach is God's ideal for His
children. Godliness—godlikeness—is the
goal to be reached. Before the student there
is opened a path of continual progress. He
has an object to achieve, a standard to at-
tain, that includes everything good, and
pure, and
noble."—Education,
page 18.
2.
By what life are we to pattern
our lives? 1 John 3:1-3. Compare
1 John 2:6.
NOTE.—"He humbled Himself and took
our nature that we might be able to learn
of Him and, imitating His life of benevo-
lence and self-denial, follow Him step by
step to heaven. You cannot equal the copy;
but you can resemble it and, according to
your ability, do
likewise."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 170.
3.
What is Christ's ideal for the
church? Eph. 5:25-27.
Victory Impossible to the Natural
Man
4.
Of what is the carnal mind in-
capable? Rom. 8:7.
NOTE.—"To set the mind on the things
of the flesh and thus to live a life of self-
assertion and self-indulgence means inevi-
tably a life that is hostile to God and out of
harmony with His will. . . . Such a course
leads to estrangement from God and sepa-
ration from the source of life—a separation
that means death. This hostility against
God is the opposite of the peace that comes
to those who live in the Spirit."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Rom. 8:7.
5.
Whose will does the sinner per-
form? 1 John 3:8; John 8:44.
6.
While one is serving the flesh,
what works are wrought in the life?
Gal. 5:19-21.
NoTE.—"For the pardon of sin, for the
Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for
wisdom and strength to do His work, for
any gift He has promised, we may ask;
then we are to believe that we receive, and
return thanks to God that we have re-
ceived.
"We need look for no outward evidence
of the blessing. The gift is in the promise,
and we may go about our work assured
that what God has promised He is able to
perform, and that the gift, which we al-
ready possess, will be realized when we
need it
most."—Education,
page 258.
"God calls upon us to burst
the bands of our precise, in-
door service. The message of
the gospel is to be borne in
the cities and outside of the
cities."—Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 84.
Christ Brought Victory
7.
For what purpose did Christ
come into the world? Matt. 1:21; Luke
19:10; Isa. 53:5, 6.
NOTE.—"Christ always separates the con-
trite soul from sin. He came to destroy the
works of the devil, and He has made pro-
vision that the Holy Spirit shall be im-
parted to every repentant soul, to keep him
from sinning.
"The tempter's agency is not to be ac-
counted an excuse for one wrong act. Satan
is jubilant when he hears the professed fol-
[ 45 ]
lowers of Christ making excuses for their
deformity of character. It is these excuses
that lead to sin. There is no excuse for
sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is
accessible to every repenting, believing child
of God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 311.
8.
What did God do to enable man
to keep the righteous requirements of
the law? Rom. 8:3, 4.
NorE.—There can be no deep apprecia-
tion of the atonement of Christ unless there
is a clear understanding of the awful nature
of the evil that made the atonement neces-
sary. There is today a startling absence of
real conviction of sin that makes men
loathe and abhor it. Too many are en-
deavoring to live with Christ without dying
with Him. Daily dying to sin and living for
God is the victorious life.
9.
Through whom does God give
us the victory? 1 Cor. 15:57; 2 Cor.
2:14.
NOTE.—"The Christian life is a battle
and a march. But the victory to be gained
is not won by human power. The field of
conflict is the domain of the heart. The
battle which we have to fight—the greatest
battle that was ever fought by man—is
the surrender of self to the will of God,
the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty
of
love."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
page 141.
Victory—How Achieved
10.
What is the victory that over-
comes the world? 1 John 5:4, 5.
NOTE.—"Through faith in Christ, every
deficiency of character may be supplied,
every defilement cleansed, every fault cor-
rected, every excellence developed. 'Ye are
complete in Him' Colossians
2:10."—Ed-
vcatlon,
page 257.
11.
To whom only is the victorious
life possible? 1 John 3:9.
NOTE.—"Doth not commit sin.
That is,
he does not continue to sin, or he does not
habitually sin. . . . The apostle thus char-
acterizes those who have been born of God.
They have experienced the new birth, their
natures are changed, and they resemble
their heavenly Father. . . . They hate the
sin they used to love, and love the virtue
they used to despise.. . . Such people do
not continue slaves to their old sins, they
do not habitually commit their old mis-
takes. Divine power has given them the
victory over those weaknesses, and is ready
to aid them in overcoming other faults of
which they may not previously have been
aware."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on 1
John 3:9.
12.
What victory over sin is pos-
sible under grace? Rom. 6:14.
13.
What is God able to do for us?
Jude 24.
NOTE.—"All who profess godliness are
under the most sacred obligation to guard
the spirit, and to exercise self-control under
the greatest provocation. The burdens
placed upon Moses were very great; few
men will ever be so severely tried as he
was; yet this was not allowed to excuse his
sin. God has made ample provision for His
people; and if they rely upon His strength,
they will never become the sport of circum-
stances. The strongest temptation cannot
excuse sin. However great the pressure
brought to bear upon the soul, transgres-
sion is our own act. It is not in the power
of earth or hell to compel anyone to do evil.
Satan attacks us at our weak points, but
we need not be overcome. However severe
or unexpected the assault, God has provided
help for us, and in His strength we may
conquer."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
421.
Questions for Meditation
1.
The key to victorious living is found
in these words: "In Christ" or "Christ in
you." Do you invite Him now and every
hour to take His rightful place in your
heart?
2.
Jesus will not dwell with an idol. He
must be Lord of all or not at all. Can we
say, "Have Thy way, Lord"?
[ 46 ]
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
December 29, 1962, Southern European Division
The Southern European Division has chosen three projects to bene-
fit from the overflow of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter.
They are:
(t) A new mission station in the southern part of Angola, West
Africa, one of the mission fields of the Southern European Division;
(2) a new church and evangelistic center in Paris, France; (3) enlarge-
ment of the Phoenix School on the island of Mauritius, Indian Ocean,
another mission field of this division.
Angola is at present one of our most promising mission fields in
Africa. Our work is well established in all parts of this field except the
southern section, and we are in need of a mission station there from
which to work for the people of that vast area.
Paris is usually called "The City of Light." An evangelistic center
will be a lighthouse, sending the light of the gospel to the nine million
inhabitants of Greater Paris.
For a number of years we have been operating a school on the
beautiful island of Mauritius, but it is no longer adequate to accom-
modate the 40o students who wish to attend. We must improve the
present buildings and construct another.
Make your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering a real Christmas gift in
the name of Jesus. Whether the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering is taken
in your Sabbath school on December
22
or December 29, be sure to
label your offering "Thirteenth Sabbath Offering," so that the South-
ern European Division will benefit from the overflow.
LESSONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1963
Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the first quarter of 1963 will be helped by the following outline in studying
the first lesson. The title of the lessons for the quarter is, "Dynamics of Chris-
tian Witnessing." The title of the first lesson is, "All Christians to Be Wit-
nesses." The memory verse is Acts 1:8. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Acts 11:26.
Ques. 2. Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:41.
Ques. 3. 2 Cor. 5:17.
Ques. 4. 2 Cor. 5:18, 19.
Ques. 5. 2 Cor.
5:20.
Ques. 6. Acts 1:8.
Ques. 7. Mark 13:34.
Ques. 8. 1 Cor. 3 :9 ; 2 Cor. 6:1.
Ques. 9. Isa. 60:1.
Ques. 10. Isa. 60:2-5.
Ques. 11. John 8:12.
Ques. 12. Matt. 5:14-16 ;
1 Peter 4:10, 11.
Ques. 13. John 12:35, 36.
47 1
EVANGELISTIC CENTER
PARIS
NEW
MISSION STATION
ANGOLA
ENLARGE SCHOOL
MAURITIUS ISLAND
SOUTHERN EUROPEAN DIVISION
(Shaded Areas Represent Southern European Division)
Union
Population
No. of
Churches
Church
Sab. School
Members
Members
ANGOLA U. M.
4,205,266
59
15,714 32,174
AUSTRIAN U. C.
7,067,432
41
2,708
3,017
CZECHOSLOVAKIAN CHURCH
14,000,000
50
7,505
6,000
EQUATORIAL AFRICAN U. M.
7,600,000
36
7,453
14,839
FRANCO-BELGIAN U. C.
54,833,700
85
4,851
4,354
HUNGARIAN CHURCH
9,825,580
163
6,225
7,000
INDIAN OCEAN U. M.
7,245,000
103
4,555
6,974
ITALIAN U. M.
49,555,787
58
2,865
3,049
NO. AFRICAN U. M.
25,380,000
20
868
850
PORTUGUESE U. M.
10,710,000
30
2,524
3,047
RUMANIAN U. C.
18,403,000
646
35,629
53,200
SWISS U. C.
5,270,000
58
3,537
3,277
YUGOSLAVIAN U. C.
19,500,000
230
8,588
9,100
DETACHED MISSIONS
7,000,000
112
7,720
10,904
Division Totals
240,595,765
1,691
110,742
157,785